Snow Weekend.

It's the first real snow of the season (quite late this year!).  And I can promise you I won't ever look this pretty running around in it.  Well, I don't usually make it a habit to run around in wedding gowns.  That's what that is, right?

Anyway, I'm linkless today because most of them are on my work computer and I forgot to send them home.  Next week, for sure!

Have a great weekend, pretty ladies!  Let's all go make some snow angels. 

image via pinterest

Lovely Lace.

DEAR GOD.  This is a dream wedding dress. 

The lace!  The back!  That sash!  And who paid someone off to have her veil blow in the wind like that?

Absolute perfection.

Jessie from the long and short of it

Happy Friday!

What is everyone up to this weekend?  I'm hoping to lay low a bit; I had so much fun with Andrea last weekend, but running around like that makes me one tired girl.  I have a scary movie party to attend and I'll probably swing by the hospital because my college roommate just had her second baby!!  Say hello to the world, Wesley Alexander.  (Great name, right?)

What else?  What else?

I have a shortened Friday Links page this week because I've been super busy...

• Has everyone heard of this yet?  Mindy Kaling (I ALWAYS write about her -- I have a major girl crush, obviously) has a new blog and she is as delightful as ever.
• An edited excerpt from a Charlie Kaufman lecture. 
• Florence Welch interviewed by Baz Luhrman.  (Katie, be prepared for them to mention Blake Lively like she's Florence's bestie.  She is their "mutual friend" and catalyst for introduction.)
• I was randomly checking a wedding blog to get one last Friday Link thinking, "Maybe they'll have a pretty dress."  And then I'm all, "Wait.  I KNOW that girl!"  (As much as you can know a friend's friend, you know what I mean?)  Kali is super gorgeous and had a super gorgeous wedding and I've already seen some of these photos on Facebook because, you know, Lauren was there.  No big deal. 

image via pinterest

Make It Your Own.

It's so hard to differentiate yourself among all the wedding din.  The engagement photos, the wedding photos, the shoulds and woulds and coulds.  You know what I'm talking about.  Somehow this couple managed to do something I've never seen before and it put a big smile on my face.

After the jump see how these engagement photos aren't your regular fare.

Friday!

Sorry I was MIA yesterday.  I opted for margaritas instead of blogging and figured you all would understand. 

Who watched the Royal Wedding?  I have to say I was surprisingly not into it, but I did catch a glimpse of her dress this morning and she sure did look beautiful, no?  A princess indeed.  Now, if we could only get away with wearing hats like those all the time I would be a happy, happy girl. 

And now it's the weekend!  Bring it.  What do you guys have planned?  I have my own wedding to go to tomorrow, which I'm sure will be just as grand.  Lord, I still need to figure out what to wear.  How terrible!

I hope you all have a fabulous time and enjoy the (hopefully!) lovely weather!

Lady in White.

It's been a while since I've posted anything wedding-related.  Right?  I saw this dress and just couldn't stop thinking about it.

I'm not usually one for the simple; this girl loves some adornment and drama, especially when it comes to a wedding dress.  But something about how this skirt flows makes me swoon.  The spaghetti straps don't seem dated and the folding across the bodice is a darling touch of texture.   

It is effortless beauty at its best and any woman should be so lucky.

Anthropologie Weddings.

"What if Anthroplogie did weddings?"

This is what I got in my inbox on Friday.  Well, well, well!  What if?!  Unveiled on February 14th, I'm sure we will find some AMAZING dresses and accessories at, most likely, super expensive prices.

What do you guys think about this?

I do, I do.

What a beauty!  I feel like this is the spring/summer version of Katie's wedding dress.  Swoon. 

I absolutely die for texture in a wedding dress.  What's your favorite part of a wedding dress?

found here 

Blooms at their best.

We've all seen those brooch bouquets, yes?  I do love them and think they are unique, but I stumbled across these beauties yesterday and fell in love.  They are so decadent and romantic and would be the perfect addition to a twinkly wedding. 

Flowers and jewelry all in one -- I'm sold! 

Bonus: They never die.  I'd put mine in a short, squatty vase next to my bed and dream longingly of their original use.      

The dress.

It has come to my attention that since Katie's wedding I've completely fallen off with my wedding dress posts.  Out of sight, out of mind, I guess. 

This dress quickly whipped me back into shape. 

Sigh. 


seen at Overlooking Mississippi

It happened.

First things first, I am NO photographer.  I don't own a photographer's camera and I don't take photographer's photos.  'Nuff said.

IT HAPPENED!!  It was a fantastic weekend; frivolity ensued, vows were made, two people became a family.  There was an eighty percent chance of rain in Milwaukee this weekend.  The forecast was ripe with showers, but love prevailed.  It was actually shocking how beautiful of a day it was.  The rain stopped a couple hours before the ceremony and stayed away until after the reception, long enough for pictures to be taken outside and gowns to stay dry.  Except after the reception it was like all the rain that had been held up throughout the day decided to let go and it POURED.  Though I am proud to report that my gal even made it to the bar, gown still dry!

Before we get any further, yes, I cried.  I totally cried.  Though I believe I basically managed to get away Liv-style without scary scrunchiness, and certainly no awful belabored breathing.  It was a BEAUTIFUL ceremony and I had an awesome aisle seat with a great view.  If I wasn't so busy wiping tears away and trying to remember what to say during Catholic mass I would have gotten photos of Katie's amazing dress before it was bustled.  We'll have to wait for the professional photos for that.  Without further ado...   

Their first dance was to Neil Young's Harvest Moon.  It was wonderful and I pushed my way to the front to get photos.  Sorry for the elbows, friends.  Aren't they just the most dreamiest couple ever?!  They give Dylan and Kelly a run for their money.  Ross and Rachel stand no chance.  Hell, even Pam and Jim need to take their hat out of the ring.

 

I was basically paparazzi, stalking their every move.  

 

There was an awesome live band that required everyone to move.  No one gets down better than Mike and Katie.  Look at those sweet moves!

 

Awwwww.  How romantic!  I promise I didn't start crying again.  That would just be weird. 

And another gratuitous dress shot.  If you can't tell, I am obsessed with this dress.  I basically fawned over it the entire night and blushed a bright pink whenever someone mentioned that I had picked it out.  It is a quite proud moment in my sartorial life to have brought this puppy into all of our lives.  But it takes a woman as beautiful as Katie to pull off such a dress and she did so magnificently.

I loved every minute of the weekend and am so happy to have been a witness.  It's such a joy when two people so in love dedicate themselves to each other.  It's only made better by a kick ass party afterward.  Well done, Katie and Mike!  My hat is off to you.  Now, go, enjoy Italy.  [jerks]
  

The weekend of all weekends.

 

So, this is it, folks.  The wedding is here!  I'll leave you all on a train later today to a fun and festive destination.  If I  haven't mentioned it here before [I'm pretty sure I have] I am a cryer.  I cry, uh, a lot.  Not in sad, depressing ways, I just am moved easily.  Yeah, I just said that.  Anyway, that's a whole 'nother conversation for another time.  I'm just sayin' weddings really get me going.  Especially when it's someone I really care about.  Just ask those that have gone before Katie; I'm a bit of a mess.  My goal is to look like lovely Liv above -- just a beautiful tearing up that doesn't require any squinchiness of the face or, god forbid, audible sounds.  But, more likely, I'll end up like the cutie pie below, only not as cute.  Squinchiness all around.  That is my lot in life.   

I am so excited for this wedding!!  I kinda feel like I'm getting married.  Hahah, what terrible words to say.  But really, I've been there through every stage of the process and I've never been known to be shy with my opinions.  Katie and I have only become really close quite recently, well the past year and a half or so, but I feel like I've known her forever.  She popped into my life at a time when I needed her most and I am forever grateful for who she is and how she's made my life so much better.  I am so happy that I can be present on her big day when she marries the love of her life.  [Mike ain't half bad, either]  Happy doesn't even begin to cover it.       

What are y'all up to this weekend??  I hope you have a wonderful time full of bon bons and steak dinners.  Can you believe October is almost over?  Yeep.  This year is flying by; I probably say that every year, but I REALLY mean it this year.

*The funny thing is that I know Katie won't read this until after her honeymoon, which makes me feel kinda like I'm talking to the air.  But I would be remiss if I didn't say it, even if only to the air.

**I am taking Monday off to recuperate from all of the festivities.  I am hoping to not be too distracted during the wedding by things that easily distract me [re: booze, boys, boogy (sorry, I was really going for the alliteration thing.  let's be clear -- I mean dancing)] in order to get some choice shots for this here blog.  I'm not promising anything because my eyes will probably be filled with tears and not able to focus anyway.  God, I am so chatty today.  What I'm trying to say is I prolly won't be here on Monday, but hopefully that means I'm taking my time putting together a lovely post-wedding post for Tuesday.  Jeesh, I'm done.  

Glittery goodness.

Katie and I had talked about her wearing these to her rehearsal dinner.  Alas, she did not have the time to order them and decided there were things probably more important than glittery booties.  [Sometimes I don't know why we're friends... I keed, I keed.]  I'm going to take her passing on them as my invite to bestow them to the world.  Well, the few who read my blogger, that is.  Sooooo, please, someone -- take advantage of these beauties.  Especially because they are only $60.  $60 for pure joy, people!  I think that's a pretty damn good price.

I am currently trying to figure out what to wear to the Friday night shindig.  How did I not think about this til now??  I was so distracted by the actual wedding!  So far I've made the decision that sequins plus a tulle skirt maaaayyy be too much.  I'm totally still bringing the sequins in case I have a last-minute change of heart.  But, most likely, I'll go with the tulle.  And all black.  Don't want to scare away everyone the minute I meet them.  Then they'd get their place cards the next day, glance over to see who they'd be eating with, see me and think, "Oh GOD, not the sequins and tulle girl!!"  Let's not have that happen.  [Let's make sure we're on the same page:  I wouldn't be wearing them at the wedding -- I'm not that ridiculous.]

So, your job:  Buy these amazing shoes and thank me later.

My job:  Figure out outfit for Friday night shindig AND Sunday brunch.
               Make sure they are clean.
               Do laundry. [because they will totally not all be clean.  I'm not a saint.]
               Pack.
               Plus all the other things on my mental to-do list.  [I was going to list them here in some sort of comedic form and then realized it was just my to-do list and that is BAHHOORRRINNNG, so I won't.  You're welcome.]
             

Wedding week!

It's officially Katie's wedding week!  I cayan't believe it.  I was going to dedicate each post this week to something wedding-related, but then thought it would be excessive and unnecessary.  And didn't even get around to it on Monday, soooo.  So much for that. 

BUT, I did have to show you guys this awesome dress.  I love when a bride wears a dress that is so obviously her.  I know nothing about this woman, but feel like I know more about her just based on her wedding pictures.  And the pictures of her dress alone.  It's a bold choice to wear that necklace with this dress and it wouldn't work for everyone.  But it totally works for her, and you should all know by now that I like me a bold choice.

This is not why we are here today, though.  The most shocking and wonderful part of this dress is that IT'S TWO DRESSES IN ONE.  Oh.My.Goodness.  Be still my heart.  After the ceremony she took off what can only be described as tulle heaven to reveal a sassy knee length show stopper.  Way to go!  It's so sweet how she describes why she chose it and how she believed her husband would feel about it. 

But, that's not all... 

 

She then wore the skirt AGAIN the next day at brunch with a tank top!  This girl really knows how to rock it out and I tip my proverbial hat to her.  

[It still isn't as fabulous as Katie's dress, though.  Let's not get ahead of ourselves.]

Wedding Countdown.

Remember how I asked all you good people for a teal shoe hunt?  Thank you all for your help, and really the shoes were all amazing, but I decided to go another way.  Hello, fuchsia!

Above you will find the dress I am wearing to my friend's -- Hi, Katie!! -- wedding.  In two weeks.  Oh.My.Goodness!  [Sorry for the small photo.  Macy's, can you work with me on that?  Is it really that hard?] 

I liked all the shoe suggestions you gave me, really I did.  I just decided that I needed something of a substantial heel and one that lived below four inches; that is so much harder to find than it should be!  I'm a tall lady, one who sees the heights of 5'9'' while barefoot and doesn't need five more inches to feel like a giant.  Four [if we're being technical here, they're actually 3 3/4] is actually too much for me as well, but it is SO hard to find great shoes in a smaller heel.  Shoe designers out there, can we do something about that?!  Please?

Question:  How do you feel about the plum/fuchsia combo?  I'm thinking it will either be AMAZING or just plain silly.  I'm waiting to see it in person before I make a judgment, but I have my fingers crossed for AMAZING.  And, let's face it, it's shocking that I don't yet own a bright pink pair of heels.

Also, I don't own that clutch.  I don't have the $400 required for its procurement, but it sure is purty, right?  I found it in the new Lonny [which you should totally read] and can now think of nothing else.  Stay tuned while I come up with cheaper, less heart-stopping options.

Sweetness.

I love this dress.  Everything about it is beautiful, including the woman wearing it.  I'm immediately drawn in when a dress can pull off sleeves and this one flutters straight into my heart.

It seems like such a sweet wedding and you should definitely hop on over to see more of it.

Also:  Thanks for shoe help yesterday, I definitely appreciate it!

Reader Request.

 

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A dear reader contacted me and asked me to help her with her bridesmaid situation.  She bought this dress, which can be worn in several different ways, to wear to a rehearsal dinner that will segue into a girls' night out, an outdoor laid-back wedding in New Orleans, PLUS as a bridesmaid dress in a wedding in the woods.  Wowzers!  The options above are for the rehearsal dinner/girls' night out and laid-back day wedding.  She told me that she likes classic jewelry, but with a quirky twist.  

I think the gold accessories are best for the rehearsal dinner, and they lend themselves to any sort of night out.  It's her choice as far as the gold shoes -- I'm partial to the gold shoes on the right, but wasn't sure if she thought they'd be too funky for a rehearsal dinner.

My personal choice for the day wedding would be the shoes on the far right with the coral drop earrings.  I'm not sure when the wedding is, so I was worried the teal shoes might be too light for the season.  Hence, the cobalt blue shoes which would be more appropriate for a late fall wedding.    

{info}

These are my options for the wedding in the woods.  I'm assuming this one is not as laid-back, even if it is in the woods.  I'm a big fan of black and brown together, but I know some people can't stand it.  I figured these heels were thick enough to stand above ground because there is nothing I hate more than sinking in the grass.  I like the tuxedo jacket with the knot earrings and black pumps.  Then put the rest of the accessories together for my option B.  I don't think you'd need a necklace with the sequined lapel, but a necklace could be in order for the second option, though it isn't necessary.  If you'd like a necklace, I'd choose the option on the far right of the previous options.  Does that make sense?

{info}

And these are my purse options.  I should've done them in a clockwise order that makes sense, but I didn't.  I'm thinking the blue purse for the laid-back outdoor wedding, the gold sequin purse for rehearsal dinner.  The black one for the sequin tuxedo blazer and the gold clutch with the handle for the burgundy [I can't believe you spell that with two 'u's!  I've been spelling it wrong my entire life.] shawl.  Again, I hope that makes sense! 

Good luck, my dear!  Let me know if you have any questions or if I missed something entirely.

Everyone else:  I hope you got something out of this, too.  Feel free to email me if you have your own request!

A dress of love.

I literally cried while reading the story of this wedding dress.  Tears fell from the eyes, folks.  You should read it, too. 

And if you really want to cry, watch this video.  Amazing, sad, and true.  I'm still thinking about it weeks after watching it.

Post-veil options.

Remember how I talked about my friend's wedding and how I wanted to put some flowers in her hair post-wedding?  Well, this is my attempt at some inspiration for her.  I wanted to give a couple different options because otherwise I feel like I would end up with a lot of flowers and feathers, and I'm nooooott so sure Katie is into feathers.  [Come on Katie, feathers are AWESOME.]  I can't decide which one is my favorite.  Which one is yours? 

Actually, I changed my mind -- the third one is my favorite.  It's so soft-looking!

One.
Two.
Three.
Four.  

I would in that dress.

I figured it has been too long since I've posted about a wedding, or wedding dress, or really anything wedding related. And I remembered this dress. I heart this dress. And the location is amazing; there is something really special about small weddings set in nature. But what really takes the cake? The groom's reaction during the first look -- seriously, look at him! I have never seen such palpable joy and excitement before. It makes me smile every time I see it.

And not that I'm a creeper or anything, but I believe the photographer is the same guy that did A Cup of Jo's wedding and engagement photos. I embarrassingly don't normally remember names of photographers and such, so that just goes to show how amazing this guy is. Well done, Max Wanger. Well done.

All images via Green Wedding Shoes