Something Blue Wedding Company

New Vintage Wedding Inspiration

2011-03-17T11:28:00.000-07:00

I think we can all agreed that the word to describe 2010 weddings would be vintage...vintage dresses, vintage centerpieces, vintage hair styles, vintage, vintage, vintage...I can honestly say if I see another mason jar I may punch myself in the face. I know what you 2011 brides are thinking..."But wait, I LOVE the vintage style and I'm getting married this year!" Fear not...we have put together a couple fun ideas to update the look so you aren't a carbon copy of what everyone did last year!

Don't Be Afraid Of Color...Throw in some royal blue, deep green, magenta, tangerine, etc! Vintage does not need to mean neutral/beige/boring:) Why not bring a bouquet to life with papaya colored tulips?? Throw a avocado colored overlay on top of that white/ivory tablecloth. Make a statement with a fun lil DYI project...find a old door at a flea market and paint it bright red! What a great backdrop for pictures of you and your guests:)

Goodbye Mason Jars, Hello Vintage Cans...Vintage cans are one of my favorite centerpiece items. They add that extra splash of color and are crazy cheap. Check in with Grandma first and see if she has any lying around... peruse flea markets/antique shops or check out Antique Mystique for some classics!

Buttons, Books, and More...It's the simple things that make a vintage wedding so special. Try incorporating buttons instead of flower petals as a table runner or utilize them on you table cards! Books are one of my favorite things to decorate with...stack them for different levels on your dessert table or have your bridesmaids carry love stories instead of bouquets when walking up the aisle! And how sweet is a typewriter guest book??! Enjoy taking the "traditional" wedding elements and replacing them with some vintage charm:)

Have any fresh ideas?? Let us know!

xoxo,

CravingColorThisYear:)

E: info@weddingplannerla.com

W: weddingplannerla.com

www.I Need A Wedding Website.pronto

2011-01-13T12:00:00.000-08:00

EVERYONE is finally on line. I know, I know there were a few holdouts...and there are still a great many people who hunt-n-peck their way through the world wide web (mom, dad, I mean you:). But everyone you know has access to a computer (Grandma Jean and Aunt Edna too) and I'd venture to say that MOST people you know get any important info online, and do most of their corresponding electronically.

Say what you will about the lack of personal connection or "whatever happened to the art of writing an actual letter", fact of the matter is that if it's not online, people are going to think it doesn't exist.

What does this mean for your wedding? You need a wedding website.

Long gone are the days of excessive invitation inserts (unless you are doing an uber formal affair in which case you should skip this article), welcome to the days of giving your guests an address to access your wedding info to their hearts' delight!

Keep in mind, this doesn't mean you shouldn't send actual invites...but your website is a way to give every single little piece of information that you want your guests to have!

Your wedding website can (and should) include any of the following:
*The story of how you met (plus cute pics along the way!)
*Engagement pics (plus other fun deets like honeymoon destinations, updates on your planning progress, etc)
*Wedding info like date, time, venues, maps
*Any other "event" info like time/place of rehearsal dinners, brunches, showers or cocktail parties
*Out-of-towner info like hotels, airports, cab companies
*Information on fun things to do while your guests are in town!
*Wedding party blurbs -- what a fun way to recognize your friends & family
*Where you are registered -- GASP -- Yes, you read it right. It's OK to tell people where you're registered on your site. It's informal!
*It is also possible to arrange for your guests to RSVP to events via your site (dinners, showers, even the big day itself!)

A few things to remember:
*Make sure you write the web address on something that your guests will keep (i.e. the invitation, NOT the response card)
*Have any flaky family attending? This is a great spot to write out a schedule down to the very last minute. Sometimes people just need a little direction!
*Believe me, when you are all done with this little "project" of creating a website, you're going to want everyone and their mother to see it. But please do abide by the rule of "if you're not inviting them to the wedding, don't blast your site to their email."

Where to find FREE websites?

www.weebly.com
www.ewedding.com
www.weddingwindow.com
www.theknot.com

Have you made a wedding website? Send us the link! We want to post a few examples on our site!

xoxo,

YourWeddingBuddyInTheWorldWideWeb

E: info@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com

Beauty Rules For Your Wedding Day

2011-01-06T11:43:00.000-08:00

Beauty blunders are never something any girl aspires to make -- but on your big day? The one day of your life that is destined to live on in facebook and shutterfly infamy? Avoid them at all costs.

We've chatted with some brides, scoured the internet, and threw in a cent or two to compile some beauty faux pas that we want you to avoid!

Here's to you, gorgeous!

#1 Your Wedding Day Is No Time To Experiment.

I get it. And I agree. It's plain and simple FUN to play around with makeup. I'm like a wild, carefree, uncaged animal whenever I hit Sephora. And yes, I do leave the store with both eyes caked in different colors of shadow, a variety of glosses layered over one another, and the tops of my hands covered in bronzers, blush and glitter. That is what Sephora is for. But my advice? Keep your inner makeup magician far far away from your wedding day. This big day is NOT the time to throw on purple mascara if you've never tried it before...And that bronzer you read about in Glamour? Don't give it a wedding-day whirl.

Our advice? Whether you're doing your own makeup or paying someone to enhance your amazing assets, give it a trial run. And by that I mean the whole kit and kaboodle. Schedule a hair and makeup dry run the day of a gown fitting. You can see exactly how you will look when all is said and done. And don't forget to take pics -- LOTS of pics. Natural light, flourescent light, candle light (is that possible with your seamstress?) Take the pics home and scour. What do you love? Hate? When did you start to get shiny and need a touch up? And please, take our word for it, you're going to want to look back at these pics in 30 years and have your kids say "Whoa! Mom! You were HOT!" no "Whoa. Mom? Blue and green eyeshadow with a plum liner?"

#2 Coco Chanel's Words of Wisdom

Seriously. She isn't arguably the most famous fashion icon for nothing. Her advice? Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take off one accessory. Now, as with all advice, you have to take it with a grain of salt. But I write this to encourage you to consider your wedding day accessories. Earrings, necklace, bracelet, veil, hair piece, various rings, your bouquet? What are you wearing and are you weighed down by the baubles hanging from your body? You want your guests to remember you as a beautiful bride -- not as the girl wearing her entire jewelry box.

#3 I (insert name here) solemnly swear not to pick a strapless dress only to tug on it all night long.

Strapless gowns are far and away the most popular wedding dress style. And they are stunning on many people. But please. For the love. Do not spend your entire wedding day hiking up your dress. Prevent this unfortunate situation by really giving your dress a trial run during your fittings. Walk around, sit, stand, hug your seamstress, bend over to fix your shoe, dance a few steps...You may find that your dress just won't stay up. A good friend had her tailor add some gorgeous straps using material she had snipped off the hem. A bride I chatted with found a way to attach her dress to her strapless bra for extra hold. Whatever you can do to prevent a day long tug of war will make you a MUCH happier bride!

#4 Undergarments. Need I say more?

I know. I hated to admit to myself that I actually DID need spanx under my satin wedding dress...and the strapless bra/corset/girdle contraption was probably the least sexy thing I have EVER donned. But you know what? I felt great all day. And in my photos, my dress hangs perfectly and I don't have a pained "I'm holding my breath and sucking in while simultaneously puffing my chest to keep my dress up" look. Besides, your husband WILL give you a few minutes to change into "something more comfortable" after the reception!

#5 EVERYONE looks better with a tan.

Ok, I said it. I'm SORRY to those of you who use fair skinned celebs like Nicole Kidman and Renee Zellweger to prove that beauty does not start with a golden bronze. I disagree with you. Spoken like a true spray tan addict, no? Here's the deal: tanned skin shows muscle definition, hides cellulite, masks skin imperfections and makes diamond rings SPARKLE.

I do NOT suggest or recommend actually lying out in the sun or going to a tanning booth. Boo for skin cancer! But there are so many different, fabulous options for a you to achieve a healthy glow on your special day. My new favorite cheapo? Loreal's new spray in a bottle. Yes, the cashier at Walgreens held it up and asked me if I was a buying a blowhorn. But seriously, this spray dries in SECONDS and goes on for a fabulous, streak free tan. (No, they aren't paying me to say this...but they should after all the money I've forked over). At a mere $10 per bottle (I get 2 full body tans out of each bottle) this is a BARGAIN. And for less than 2 mocha-frappa-cocoa whatever drinks you pick up at Starbucks, you can easily buy a can of this ahead of time and perfect your perfect color!

My only advice? ABSOLUTELY do a tanning rehearsal if you're not an obsessive spray tanner (yes, I'm speaking about myself), and plan on getting your final spray 2 - 3 days before your wedding. You'll be stunningly fabulous for your rehearsal dinner AND your color won't rub onto your dream dress.

Do you have any beauty blunders you'd like to share? Any timeless tips? Words of wisdom? Send 'em on over, we wanna hear!

xoxo,

afanofbeautifulbrides

E: info@weddingplannerla.com

W: weddingplannerla.com

Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses

2010-12-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

If you have ever been a bridesmaid you know the phrases "It's only $250"..."The lime green looks great on everyone" and the infamous "you can totally wear it again!" all too well. We all have been subject to less than fabulous bridesmaids dresses...and lord knows I did the same to my bridesmaids:) So how do we break the cycle of hundreds of dollars wasted on mediocre dresses that have yet to come off the hanger?? It's simple...mismatched bridesmaid dresses! I love the idea of everyone finding a dress that fits their style and budget AND have it be something they can actually wear again. Pick a color and length...rule out a certain fabric if you want (no one like a velvet dress:) and let your girls to the rest!

Before you shoot an email to your girls consider the following: Do you have someone in your bridal party that is off their rocker and will show up with a dress that is hideous?? Are you a control freak and want everyone to look the same?? Are their 15 girls in your wedding and this might look like a pile of laundry?? If you answer yes to any of these questions you may have some issues:) If not then this is such a fab way to save your girls some dollars, get unique wedding pics, and break the cycle of matchy-matchy bridesmaids dresses!

xoxo,

IStillThinkYouCanWearMyBridesmaidsDresses :)

Abby LaDuke
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com

Preferred Wedding Planner for Santa Monica Venue

2010-10-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

I am sooo very excited to announce that Something Blue Wedding Company is now the preferred wedding planner for the Victorian in Santa Monica, CA! This beautiful Mansion on Main St. has such a rich history...as you walk up the brick path to the front door you immediately feel like you are the late 19th century. Not only is it amazing/stunning/gorgeous/all of the above...it is able to accommodate a small intimate group as well as a large gathering. From the moment I walked in...I felt at home. The Wedding Coordinators, Mia and Ashia are so great to work with and I am looking forward to a exciting future of wedding planning with them!

xoxo,

ILovePlanningPrettyWeddings

Photography by Sae Lee Photography

Abby LaDuke
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com

Where have I been???

2010-09-17T17:32:00.000-07:00

Talk about a busy month! I miss blogging...do you ever feel like you are just reacting to everything going on in life??? I have felt totally consumed by the happens of this past month! I had 4 weddings..one of them being my sisters! A 2 week trip back home to MN, my hubby and I moved to a different apartment in West Hollywood, we are looking for a new car, all the while meeting with new brides to plan their 2011 weddings and trying to soak up the last of summer days! So many fun things going on:) Here's a lil glimpse...

Horseback Riding for my Sister's Bach Party!

Lots of Wedding Planning!

Fun Photo Shoot with an amazing Photographer!

Moved out of our cute lil apartment @ Wilshire/La Brea!

Couple shots from my sister's wedding

My bro Austin's first College Football Game!

My Sister-in-Law is Prego! I'm going to be an Aunt for the 1st time:)

Holy Cow that's a lot of stuff! Looking forward to getting back into the swing of things in LA. Here is my to do list for the fall:)

1. Decorate my new apartment! I'll update you on my progress:)

2. Finish up the wedding season...4 more to go!

3. Take a 5 year anniversary trip with Adam...I'm thinking a drive up the coast to San Fran for the weekend?!

4. Book our tickets for Florida...my fab friend is getting married/visiting my sis & new brother-in-law!

5. Eat a Carmel-Apple while watching a movie outdoors

6. Plan a house warming/halloween party! Lots to do before then:)

7. Write more inspiring blogs:) haha

What's on your fall to-do list?!

xoxox,

All-This-Fall-Talk-Makes-Me-Want-A-Cup-O-Soup:)

Abby LaDuke
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

2010-08-18T17:14:00.000-07:00

As I am running around planning weddings today I couldn't help but think that guaranteeing a flawless, perfect wedding day for my brides would be wonderful...aahh the joys of being a fairy. But no such promise can be made my friends! Sometimes things just happen and instead of focusing on the weather being too hot, too cold, too this, too that, blah blah blah...I challenge you to not sweat the small stuff. Sure, there are certain things that will need immediate attention...(like when super cheesy DJ guy decides to be 45 minutes late) but there are other things that will swallow up your whole day if you aren't careful! A couple things come to mind...

A Rainy Day

A Broken Foot

Veil Mishaps

A Tad too Windy:)

Your Groom Needing an Immediate Bathroom Break

Unexpected Guy Humor:)

All of this to say ladies...let's not sweat the small stuff! Unplanned things will happen but isn't it all just icing on the cake??? pun 100% intended:) Don't miss your wedding on your wedding day! I know it may be hard after months of planning but just know that everything will work out, your marriage is more important, and it's the day where you can finally have a piece of cake...what's there to complain about??:)

xoxo,

LoveTheGirlWhoCouldn'tLightHerUnityCandleOnHerHotterThanBlazesWeddingDay:)

Abby LaDuke
Something Blue Wedding Company
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com

Fabulous Wedding Accessories

2010-07-22T10:50:00.000-07:00

I am totally obsessed with the fun accessories by Mimi Bird! Her vintage flair to everything she creates is so inspiring and the best part about her designs is that they are totally affordable. I love being able to recycle accessories for different occasions...use your uniquely hand-crafted accessories for date night, a friend's dinner party, or just out and about! The one and only Mimi just custom-made a headband for a girl out of her grandmother's buttons...how sweet is that?!!? Take a look at some of the fun accessories and try not to drool:)

Check out Mimi's Bird's website for the latest designs!

xoxo,

NeedMimiToMakeAHeadbandOutofMyGram'sButtons!

Abby LaDuke
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite memories growing up were from 4th of July at our cabin up in northern MN! Campfires, swimming, smores, fireworks, cousins, tonka toasters (the best invention ever!) and the list goes on and on. It seems like every 4th has it's own special memories doesn't it?! One year we played 4 square tournaments the WHOLE weekend...one year the boys did this...

What the?! Yep, that's my hubby at the top of the tree putting together the ultimate swing to launch yourself into the lake!

My sisters and I in the tent!

My little brother Austin years ago getting ready to watch fireworks!

All the cousins!

Watching fireworks years ago:)

No matter who you are, you always leave 4th of July weekend with a crazy sunburn, a stuffed root beer float/hamburger/apple pie/corn on the cob belly, and a million bug bites/memories:)

What's your favorite 4th of July memory??!

xoxo,

4th-Of-July-Weekend-In-LA-Just-Isn't-The-Same

Abby LaDuke
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com

Wedding Registry Tips

2010-06-24T13:03:00.000-07:00

Putting together your wedding registry may seem like a no-brainer..Hello! You are fantastic at shopping and the thought of indulging without worrying about your bank account is a dream come true:) But it can be overwhelming and it's hard to know where to start..suddenly you are stressed over whether you should get the square or round glasses, towel colors are taking over and don't get me started on the knife set options! Take a deep breath, kiss your fiance and hold that registry gun with confidence....

Tip #1: Register Early

You may feel like you are jumping the gun but fear not..some family/friends would love to give you an engagement gift! To avoid crazy Aunt Sally's cat figurine obsession, throw a couple gifts on a registry to provide a clear picture of your style. You don't have to make all the decisions right away but putting some classic, affordable gifts on your registry like household decor will give your close ones some direction.

Tip #2: Where to Register

Try not to run all over town registering everywhere! Pick two to three places and have one of those be a national department store like Target or Macy's so everyone can purchase something locally. Managing your registry online has become as easy as checking your facebook page. You can update and add/delete anything you would like to...adding new items everyday is unnecessary, come on girls...self control:)

Tip #3: Bring a List with You

It can get overwhelming if you are walking in empty-handed...even if you are a professional shopper:) This registry checklist from realsimple.com has a great list to guide you. Sit down with your fiance the night before and go through it...cross out things you already have and add what you need!

Tip #4: Take Advantage of the Free Help

Pottery Barn, Macy's, Crate and Barrel, etc... have employees on hand ready and willing to help you! Don't do the usual "I'm just looking" speech on this shopping trip. These employees help couples put together registries every day so utilize their expertise. Not interested in having place settings to entertain 20 people??? Let them know that up front and be honest with what you are looking for...it will help them help you fashion a registry that's uniquely yours!

Tip #5: DO NOT Ask for Money

It is still very much taboo to ask for money directly! Feel like you have everything you need?? For unique options, check out Honeyfund.com for a free honeymoon registry or the I Do Foundation to register your favorite charities.

xoxox,

IWantAPersonalRegistryGun:) hehe

Photos Via: Martha Stewart

Abby LaDuke
P: 310.564.6745
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com

Sweet Engagement Session by the River

2010-06-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

Is it just me or are engagement pics getting cuter and more creative?! Check out this FANTASTIC shoot from JM Photography of my gorgeous sister Ashlee and her amazing fiance Daniel. They are getting married this fall and it's been so fun being a part of the planning process with them! Justin Vagle of JM Photography is incredible and we literally had 30 min to shoot this...can we say talented??!

xoxo,

CanYouFeelTheLove?! :)

Abby LaDuke
P: 310.564.6745
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com

Sugar Cane

2010-05-26T17:02:00.000-07:00

I love dessert...in particular chocolate. I don't believe the girls that say they don't..(unless you are my mother who hasn't eaten any sugar in the last 9 years...God bless her:) I'm not the girl that's OK with a strawberry for dessert...fruit is for breakfast...brownies, ice cream, pie, and cookies are desserts in my head. For the normal gal who doesn't have self or portion control when it comes to dessert, here are some fabulous ideas for staying in skinny bridal shape!

Big Fudgy Bittersweet Brownies

***250 calories in ONE...don't eat the whole pan unless you want your thighs to jiggle like jello***

Grilled Dark Chocolate Sandwich that doesn't make your stomach look like a pile of laundry!!!

Chocolate Souffle that won't make the button fly off your jeans!

Glazed Chocolate-Pumpkin Bundt Cake...gosh I am getting hungry!

Chocolate Shamrock Bread Pudding

***Ok this one isn't so healthy but sub wheat bread, egg whites, and dark chocolate chips and you have bread pudding that doesn't have your arms looking like sausages***

What's your FAVORITE healthy dessert!?!?

xoxo,

Hi,MyNameIsAbbyAndI'mAChocoholic

HiAbby:)

E: abby@weddingplannerla.com

W: www.weddingplannerla.com

B: weddingplannerla.blogspot.com

"What do you like better...

2010-05-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

Christmas or Wedding Season?"

"Mr. Grey?"

"Yes, the answer would be, um Wedding Season?!"

"Bingo!"

Ok, not only one of my all-time favorite movies but also SO TRUE! Wedding Season is upon us my friends...so many exciting things happening. To many, wedding season is just a fancy phrase for "I need to purchase 10 different dresses!" I shop at a lot of different places but I would have to say that BCBG always has the perfect wedding attire every year....

Also, take a look at cupcakes and cashmere for some more great wedding attire ideas!

xoxo,

IWantOneOfEachThankYouVeryMuch

E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com
B: weddingplannerla.blogspot.com

Download and Print Wedding Invitations

2010-04-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

The fabulous Anna Skye was designed a ton of FREE..yes you heard me..FREE invitation templates! All you have to do is download the template, type in your wedding or event details and you can literally print them at home! Hello...can we say a billion dollars saved on invites?! She also has matching rvsp cards as well. I don't even know what to say...I am totally in shock at the fabulousness of this!

Head over to Download and Print and get going on your invites!

xoxox,

I-LOVE-THIS!

ps...check out my blog featured on http://www.mimibirdsblog.blogspot.com/ ...Thanks Mimi!!!

Abby LaDuke

P: 310.564.6745

E: abby@weddingplannerla.com

W: weddingplannerla.com

How to Shop for a Wedding Dress

2010-04-28T07:48:00.000-07:00

Now..it seems that this should be a no-brainer in your wedding planning! How to shop for my dress?! Please...feel free to inspire me with something else Abby:) But let me just say...it's not as easy as you think! Here are a few tips for finding the perfect dress for you...

1. Bring someone with you that will tell you the truth...that has a sense of style...and that you trust! But try to limit the number of people you bring...getting too many opinions just means a headache for you!

2. Don't wear your black underwear and hot pink bra...aka... wear undergarments that you would typically wear under a white or ivory dress. Also, wear a heel that you feel comfortable in...don't wear 5 inch heels if you are crazy clumsy in ballet flats:)

3. TALK PRICE! Don't fall for a dress that is not in your budget...be smart and let the saleswomen know up front what you want to spend...and not a penny more. Seriously girls...self control:)

4. A classic mistake...loving the way a dress looks but not taking the time to see how it feels! Be honest...you have bought an outfit that looks amazing but the second you sit down, buttons go flying across the room. Take 2 minutes to dance around, sit down, lift your arms...no one likes to see the brides...well..you know:)

5. Don't assume you are going to lose a billion pounds before the wedding. Buy the dress based on your current size...it's always easy to take a dress in...but not so much on letting it out!

6. Try on all types of silhouettes the first time you go out...you may surprise yourself in what you like:)

Ball Gown: Melissa Sweet

A-Line: Vera Wang
*Try to not look as crabby as this girl :)

Empire: KittyChen Couture

Sheath: J Crew Weddings

Trumpet/Mermaid: Bellissima Couture

Princess: Rosa Clara

Short: Amsale

7. Enjoy the process!!! It can get stressful but just remember...you are doing this once! AND...let me just say...you will know your dress when you see it:)

xoxo,

AllThisDressTalkMakesMeWantToGoShopping:)

Shoot me an email...abby@weddingplannerla.com if you have any questions! OR if you need an honest opinion while you are wedding dress shopping:)

Abby LaDuke
P: 310.564.6745
E: abby@weddingplannerla.com
W: weddingplannerla.com

Hey, it's ok!....Wedding Style

2010-04-06T15:03:00.000-07:00

I LOVE the Glamour Magazine "Hey, it's ok!" section...but I'm not gonna lie, I haven’t been totally thrilled with it recently. So I decided to do my own...wedding style:)

Hey, It's OK...
...to get a little upset that you can't wear a cute all-white dress to someone else's summer wedding.

...to kindly ask your fiancé to get an eyebrow wax, trim the nose hairs, and get a mani/pedi before the big day. Those pics will last forever...Adam is shaking his head at me right now:)

...if you eat 2 pieces of your wedding cake. It is yours after all and who cares...you don't have to fit into the dress tomorrow.

...that you want your bridesmaids to keep their shoes on...no one looks good in bare feet.

...to say no to Aunt Sue's, your annoying co-worker's, or your hair stylist's offered to help out with the wedding planning. Too many cooks in the kitchen!

...to NOT want to wear penis anything at your bachelorette party.

...to want to wear penis anything at your bachelorette party.

...if you would rather open all your bridal showers gifts at home in your sweatpants, with a glass of wine while watching reruns of sex and the city.

...to not like planning your wedding...that's what I'm for. (shameless pitch...I know:)

...to start out wanting to do a bunch of "do it yourself" projects to save money and then saying screw it, I'm just going to buy stuff.

...to not know how to cook anything except spaghetti. You're getting married...you didn't turn into Martha Stewart.

...if you go to Barnes and Noble...load up an arm-full of bridal magazines and fully intend to spend the afternoon reading them without paying for a single thing.

...to look like Miss Hawaiian Tropics at your January wedding.

...to NOT become a bride-zilla. No one likes a grouchy fiancé, daughter, friend, etc…

…If you don’t really want to give your soon-to-be mother-in-law a dance with the groom (Side note…this is from my best friend :)

…to chill on the bridal diet and order that huge burger with fries...every now and then:)

…to practice your reception speech in front of a mirror like you’ve just won an Oscar.

Do you have a favorite wedding “Hey, its ok”?!?

Truth be told...

2010-04-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

I SO want to learn how to knit. Why haven't I?? Because I have no patience.

I spotted this craft as I was perusing the Martha Stewart Living mag at the doctor's office (Don't judge it was the best thing they had...and a side note...I totally went into the bathroom and ripped out the pages:) But it makes me want to learn how to knit/grow my patience. eek talk about opening a can of worms! Ok the reason I bring this up is because wouldn't it be the BEST gift for your bridesmaids?! It's totally chic and affordable...it may just take some time and a few choice words but your girls will love it!

This cowl is totally at Urban Outifitters right now!

And you can pick different colors to make it unique for each bridesmaid:)

I'm in love...I want to make a cowl now! OR I could call my grams and ask for an early bday present!! :)

To get directions on how to make a cowl, check out:

http://www.marthastewart.com/how-to/dobbs-ferry-knit-cowl

xoxo,

Love-Finding-Inspiration-at-the-Doc's-Office:)

Birds of a Feather

2010-03-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

Ahhh lovebirds...what a fun theme for a wedding! Inspiration?? duh...Carrie's hair piece from the sex and the city movie...

Seriously I watch this movie about once a week...My hubby is about ready to throw it out the window. I CANNOT WAIT for the 2nd one to come out in May:) Ok, ok back to the subject at hand...lovebirds! Below are some fun ideas if you are thinking a feather/bride themed wedding and the greatest thing about it is that you can totally recycle your wedding decor into your home...

xoxo,

RealBirdsareCreepybutBirdThemesareAwesome:)

Photos Via: The Knot, Hannah, Elaine, Things Festive

Spring Fling

2010-03-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

I totally have a fling with spring right now...it is absolutely beautiful in LA today! People are out hiking, the sun is shining, everyone has eased up on honking their horn every 5 seconds...it's grand! Im obssesed with spring....especially all the fun colors that come along with it. Here is some spring eye candy for you...

LOVE!

xoxo,

TotallyObsessedwithSpring:)

check out http://www.weddingplannerla.com/ or follow me @ www.twitter.com/abbyladuke

Photo Credits: Jenny Ebert, Shannon Nicole Smith, Jessica Claire, Elizabeth Messina, Melissa Bandman

All Things Purple...

2010-02-28T11:09:00.000-08:00

In honor of the most fabulous wedding which will occur on September 3rd, 2010 (aka..my fabulous sister Ashlee's wedding:) I decided to look into all things purple. Now I must admit...if I could do my wedding planning all over again I would totally go with purple so I'm a little bit jealous...sigh:) But only snotty girls get jealous so I won't be taking a turn to negative town. Instead I will celebrate the fact that I get to be the maid of honor at this insanely gorgeous wedding! Since Ash decided that her color palate would consist of purple, navy, and off white...it inspired me to go in search of ideas to get my creative juices flowing! And what did I find??? THE BEST SITE EVER...it's called bridalcanvas.com! I put together this canvas in 10 minutes. Its so easy just click on the pic below and make one yourself...

All things purple by abbyladuke

What a fun quick way to put together some great ideas for your weddings! Happy canvasing:)

xoxo,
LoveFeelingLikeI'mAnArtistWhenISayCanvas

Pic Credits: projectwedding.com, flicker.com, bridalcanvas.com

Something Old Made New!

2010-02-19T14:49:00.000-08:00

As I was contemplating what I could write about in my first blog it hit me that I couldn't just talk about the gloomy weather in LA today...shoot! Ok so I got my creative juices flowing and started thinking about Something Old...fashioned that is. I came across this fab wedding favor idea that uses old fashioned jars and I love it...

What a perfect idea for your guests to mix and match sweet treats themselves if you are doing a candy station at your reception! Or fill them with your favorite "go-to" candy...you know..the candy you get EVERY time you go to the movies with your man:) Make it sweeter with a personalized label on the front. Oh my gosh I can't stand how many fun possibilities there are and hello...these jars are crazy cheap! On a skinny girl budget?? Buy bigger versions of these and use them for your actual candy station.

Ok one more idea..have a billion left over after the wedding?? Decorate your house by potting cute little plants, or storing your hair ties/bobby pins in, or girl you could actually utilize them for their original purpose...canning. But I don't know the first thing about that so you are on your own...mine would holding splenda packets:)

Much love,

CandyStationsAtReceptionsAreTheBest:) xoxo

Check us out... www.weddingplannerla.com

Photo Credits: myweddingfavors.com