Stylish Grooms

Although we like to pretend weddings are all about the brides(not really, well really); lets not forget about those handsome grooms; they need to make an entrance too, right?!

Showing you my favorite modern groom 'looks';  with even a couple of the photos staring my favorite grooms;)!

psssst... the first 3 looks are from the oh so stylish L.R. Men's Clothier & Tuxedos in Laporte, IN!

1. Vintage Classic: Loving this mix-match of prints and styles, paired with a sleek navy suit! Really loved the way the guys coordinated but were so different at the same time! 

 2. 'James Bond': I'm partial to this one:)... when we got married my husbands suit was his main concern, and the only part of the wedding he wanted to have a say in! Luckily for the both of us, we agreed on what we like to call the 'James Bond' all black! I loved it especially paired with his custom Nikes! 

 3. Crisp & Neutral: One of my favorite looks... how amazing is that white on white paisley tie???!!!! Pair it with the clean and khaki suit, topped off with that gorgeous succulent boutonniere! LOVE!

4. Classic Romance: Want to go classic and black tie without wearing a tux... THIS is the answer! Swooning over that velvet jacket! 

5. Huck Finn: The perfect simple look for your casual groom, paired with these thin leather suspenders, gives you that stylish yet simple look!

 6. Soft Mix & Match: if this isn't cool, I don't know what is! I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way they all match yet the groom stands out in his different shade suit! The blush color tie is also the perfect choice for those brides that want to make your groom wear pink! ;) So cool!

 7. The Risky Stylish Groom: Kind of dying over this cool and colorful look! Definitely for the risky groom willing to go the extra 'fashion mile' to look cool in a colored pant and bow-tie! Rad!

5 New Wedding Trends We're LOVING...

I am not a 'tradition' kind of girl...who says traditional fits my style?!? It usually doesn't. I LOVE LOVE LOVE unique and fun out of the box ideas when it comes to weddings. Its 'Your' wedding day, why try and make it something its not, and something you are not. I whole heartedly feel that a wedding should be a perfect balance between the couples style, and not what everyone says it 'should be'. Break the mold, and be different. 

Here are our 5 favorite new wedding ideas that are currently trending for the unique brides...

1. MIS-MATCH BRIDESMAIDS: It doesn't get more on-trend than this! First off, I will be the first to tell you brides... strapless does NOT look good on everyone! Love the idea of having all bridesmaids pick something(with your direction) that looks great on them personally, all the while making your wedding look 'hip and cool'! 

Clockwise from the top left: Sweet & Romantic: BEAUTIFULLY Mis-Matched: Ombre Color Play: RUSTIC & EARTHY

 2. MARQUEE LIGHTS: These lights speak for themselves! Where its the couples initials or outlines the bar area, personally I think these are a 'must-have'! 

Clockwise from the top left: LETTER HEADS: Sweet Initials: BAR HERE: Dance floor Darlings

 3.UN-RULEY FLORALS: Probably the inner flower child in me, but I absolutely adore these 'unruly' flower arrangements! How gorgeous are these!!! 

Clockwise from the top left: Colorful Pop: EARTHY ROMANTIC: WILDFLOWER GARDEN: VINTAGE BOHEMIAN

 4.DINNER BOXES: Ok, really, how adorable are these 'lunch boxes'. I am obsessed with the idea of this personalized dinner option!

Clockwise from the top left: Southern Dinner Box: English Wedding Dinner Box: FARM PICNIC BOX: GOURMET PICNIC BOX

 5.PATTERN PLAY: If you know me well, you know this is my favorite new trend! Love mixes bright colors and patterns to make a rad and visually appealing table! 

Clockwise from the top left: GARDEN PARTY: GEO SOUTHWEST: RUSTIC FLORAL : VINTAGE BOHEMIAN

DIY Doily Escort Card Display

Another fun DIY from the 'Dream Wedding'....

Supplies: 

Old Door

Mini 4" Doilies

Twine

Cloths Pins

Sharpie

How To:

 Use sharpie to label all doilies.(I personally used letter stencils to make the 'Grab Your Seat'.

Hang twine on old door, and add doilies with the cloths pins.

I also added some fake flowers to the corner of door to give it a little something 'more'.

Stacking Teacups: DIY Centerpiece

Last year at this time I was deep in the planning of the Dream Wedding...I recently was looking back at the details, and decided to share a few of the DIY's that I created! This particular one is perfect for the DIY bride that wants to create her own centerpieces with fresh flowers, antique bottles and jars; these teacups add such a cute and easy point of interest to your table! 

***extra little tip: if you need a table number idea, a little twine and a tag with your table number attached to the handle of the teacup would be adorable as well! 

Photo by: Balee Images

Hunt and Gather Pop-Up Market

Its been a while since I have been to an event worth blogging about, but the HUNT and GATHER Pop-Up Market preview that I attended last night was AMAZE-BALLS!!!! No seriously, so fun, and if I wasn't working today, I would be back there right now! Old Green Shutters in down town Crown Point put together an amazing display of vendors, food, drinks, and entertainment. 

When I left last night, I was trying to think of how I would describe it and make it sound as rad as it is... but with lack of a better description, its like a vintage circus market, with tarot readers, fire eaters, magicians, music...but with awesome shopping deals and booze and food trucks, and cute little campers and fresh flowers, OH MY! 

Fun things I found(all for under $100): 

-vintage coffee cans for flowers/centerpieces

-arrow head bangle bracelet

-vintage glass plates(for my mom)

-homemade dog treats

-vintage baskets

-delicious homemade popcorn

-wallpaper table runners

-placemats

-fresh flowers

-rose gold depression glass dishes
-mini chair stacking game

If you have a chance today GO, I can't say it enough, GO!!!! Its at the Lake County Fairgrounds from 1-8; and not only will you have so much fun, but you will be supporting some awesome local businesses! Win Win! 

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Jessica & Ryan: Vintage Glam Barn Wedding

Today we are featuring one of our best friends weddings! Jess and Ryan planned their wedding for 2 years, and every little detail was just as perfect as the next! From handmade bridesmaid dresses designed by the bride, vintage key escort cards, to records for the guest to sign; all aspects of the day were custom tailored to this fun couple! I personally cannot say enough nice things about MichaelAngelos Event Company, they came in and transformed the The Red Barn Experience into a magical place with there fabulous lighting,  gorgeous chandeliers and breathtaking florals! The day was simply BEAUTIFUL and everything Jess had imagined for her wedding day; even down to the perfect cool fall weather! 

The pictures from Josephiney Photography absolutely speak for themselves and tell the story, but I asked Jess to give me some behind the scenes info, and some advice to upcoming brides! 

{ATE} What inspired you to chose your wedding theme & decor?

{J&R} If you know me at all, you would know that I don't come up with decisions easily....or quickly for that matter.  Deciding on my wedding theme and decor was no different. I absolutely knew from the beginning that I had to have gold and chandeliers, so I started from there.  Of course I got many ideas from Pinterest, but most of my final decisions were made through the help of my wedding coordinators, Katie from Michaelangelos The Event Company and Ashley from Ashley Thunder Events. I gave them my vision of a vintage glam wedding and they showed me options.

{ATE} is your favorite memory of your wedding day?

{J&R} favorite memory of my wedding day was definitely saying I do and the our first kiss as husband and wife, but celebrating on the party bus with all of our closest friends prior to the ceremony was a close second;) It was an awesome feeling of anticipation and the biggest high knowing that we were about to have the best day of our lives with everyone we love to share it with.

{ATE} piece of advice would you give to other brides about the planning process?

{J&R}Take your time and don't rush the planning process. It really is such an amazing feeling to be engaged and in the spotlight, planning for and anticipating your big day.  Enjoy every minute of it.  I know EVERYONE says that your wedding day goes by so fast, but seriously IT DOES!  And it's a little sad when it's all over. 

{ATE} DIY details did you create for your big day?

{J&R}I had planned to do many more DIY details than I actually did, but even with almost two years of being engaged, I found myself short on time. With the help of my bridesmaids, we made our wedding invitations. I created my vintage newspaper-style wedding programs.  I made the table numbers, escort cards, and favor tags.  I also did some antiquing and picked out some of the vintage decor, painting some items to match the color scheme.

***Vendor Love***

Photographer: Josephiney Photography

Venue:The Red Barn Experience

Floral, Lighting & Event Design: MichaelAngelos "The Event Company"

Details & Coordination: Ashley Thunder Events

Bridesmaid Dresses: Custom Made By Judy Smith

Wedding Dress: Davids Bridal

Caterer: Rolling Stone Pizza

Hair & Make-Up: Vanis Salon & Spa
Mens Clothing: LR Mens Clothier & Tuxedos