Wedding Inspiration | Winter Elegance

Winter has its own type of beauty. From mountain tops and pine trees covered with snow to icicles hanging from the rooftops. As the snow came down Sunday, I couldn't help but get a little excited at the thought of cozying up by the fire and looking out the window at a winter wonderland. The rain came and melted away the white fluffiness, but I have a little inspiration for all the winter brides, no matter what weather you're facing today!

One amazing thing about the local wedding community is that we're not competitors, but truly friends! So when I arrived to help out my friend, Michele, at her wedding, I was excited to see a lot of familiar faces. I knew it was going to be a beautiful wedding and was not disappointed in the least!

The bride chose to get ready at the Deer Creek Inn, which was the perfect background for portraits with rustic, elegant bouquets by Art in Bloom Flowers.

Joy of Life Events did a fabulous job at creating a beautiful winter experience inside each room of the Stonehouse.

Crystal, glittery balls, snowflakes, and candlelight mixed with silver and purple!

Snowflakes, hanging from the Christmas tree, acted as a simple way to festive up the seating arrangements

The Cake Artist lived up to her name with this creation!

Cocktail hour was held in the courtyard of the Stonehouse...

...where guests could keep warm around the heaters as they sipped bowls of clam chowder and nibbled on french bread!

And to complete the wintery experience, why not take a ride in a horse drawn carriage!

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Empire Mine Engagement | Talea & Trevor

She loves little kids, scrapbooking, and teaching. He can be found working on his truck, hunting, and fishing. A girl from an island in Alaska, and a boy from the foothills of California. Both love the outdoors and most of all, each other.

So it was appropriate that we met up at Empire Mine for their engagement session. With the rustic, natural environment, it perfectly complimented their fun and sweet personalities. Talea & Trevor, I had so much fun hanging out with you! When I got back to my car, I couldn't believe how many hours had gone by--you're total troopers! So cannot wait for your wedding at Lake Tahoe!

I heard rumors of Toms making an appearance at the wedding...looooove!

The truck series are seriously some of my most favorite engagement pictures ever!

Trevor, I'm not sure why you were even concerned about pictures. Feel free to add these to your resume!

I had so many favorite that it was hard to choose which to share, but I just had to post these last two--love!

To view more of Talea & Trevor's Empire Mine engagement session, check out their personalized website!





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Welcome 2012

I've composed so many blog posts in my head over this "Christmas/New Years break." But nothing was witty enough, real enough, good enough to post. There are blogs I visit just to read and reread anything written there. The subject can be totally mundane, but I'm captivated by how they put words together and structure a sentence. I so want to be that person, the type of writer who can inspire, encourage, and motivate. The one who captures emotions and memories with the stroke of a few keys. But by constantly comparing myself to others, I've kept myself from even making the simplest effort. So here I am admitting my weakness and doing something about it! Goodbye 2011 and welcome opportunities to grow in 2012!

A taste of my vacation...

A little diy for my winter shoot

Little something for my 2011 brides and grooms

Christmas caroling with friends

Oh the holiday treats you can find at Grocery Outlet

An Americano at my hair appointment

Christmas brunch

Jesus' birthday

Merry Christmas!

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Wedding Inspiration | Peacock Feathers

It was the summer of my 7th grade year, and here I was at thirteen years old about to teach my first 5-Day Club (like a backyard Bible club), with a guy I didn't know, to a bunch of wide-eyed kids who were expecting to be entertained for the next hour.  I can still remember getting through my part of the club only to be told at the end that I had made what was supposed to be the longest story of the week into a 4 minute summary. Go me. Yet that week confirmed in my mind that I loved teaching, and a big part of it had to do with the amazing hostess and kids!

Charity was one of those amazing kids, and I was honored 13 years later to be able to attend her wedding! While it actually took place one rainy day this last summer, the colors she used would also make for a beautiful winter wedding! So enjoy these creative ideas thanks to her!


With the peacock feather as inspiration, Charity chose teal and black as her main colors and did a great job showcasing that with her invitations!

Mini candy envelopes personalized with their last initial decorated each place setting and gave guests a great way to take home a sweet treat!

The candy buffet was a hit with the peacock colored candy, keeping with the theme, and each table centerpiece was created with manzanita branches they cut themselves and covered with hanging crystals and tea lights!

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Styling It Up for Fall

I absolutely love fall clothing with its cardigans, scarves, coats, and boots! But as a bride, it can be hard to rock the dress when you feel a chill or even just figure out how to personalize your look when it comes to the season. Here are a few ideas to help you out!


While the pashmina has become a staple at many weddings, don't forget its lightweight cousin, the silk scarf. For the days when the sun is still shining, a pop of color or even a leopard print can look great in pictures or just change up the look for your reception!

One of my favorite trends is wearing a cardigan over your dress. Solids, prints, lace--they all look fabulous! Combined with tights, this can work for both the bride and her bridesmaids!

Yes, you may ending up needing to wear a coat over your dress at some point during the day, but even a simple white peacoat can look special when you replace its button with these vintage inspired ones from a craft store!

Sparkly, suede, or patent leather heels--all fabulous choices to change up your look!

"While classic is always nice, there's nothing wrong with your wedding or your bridal style reflecting who you are at the time you get married! Don't pass up on something you like because you're afraid it'll look "dated" later in pics...guess what, it still will no matter what! So don't be a fashion victim but enjoy the time you live in and capture it!" -Jessica Palmer Makeup



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