My New Favorite Carry On Accessories

I'm always looking for ways to pack smarter, lighten my carry on, be more comfortable in flight, or maximize what I bring along. I'd mentioned a few things I was searching for over the last few months, and Matt made my Christmas presents mostly travel themed! These three items will really make my carry on & in flight experience a better one. While I haven't actually been able to test them out yet (we're on a travel hiatus until the end of March!) these are quite the upgrade to my current carry on situation!

Travelrest Travel Pillow

I am SO EXCITED about this pillow! It looks super goofy, but it is so incredibly comfortable. First of all, I refuse to carry a stuffed or filled neck pillow. I prefer an inflatable pillow because they take up less room when you're not flying... and I couldn't bear dragging around a big pillow the other 95% of your trip, but I really can't get any sleep on a plane without it. The pillow I have is the traditional "C" shape, but I always found myself needing another inch of pillow on the sides to actually rest my head. This cross body pillow is PERFECT! And it folds up to the size of my straightener when deflated. I should also note it has this amazing valve that keeps the air in, and doesn't leak in between each breath (like a traditional inflatable). You can see the valve in this video.

Contour Eye Mask

I have only started using an eye mask to sleep on planes in the last year. Previously, I thought they were just annoying, but I've realized that I'm more likely to get some sleep if my eyes are covered and I can't open them! It's not a light issue for me, it's just FOMO and curiosity :) What I don't like is that most masks don't fit your face right - they can be too tight on your head and even feel like they're pulling on your eyes. Matt found this amazing concave eye mask, that not only keeps pressure off your eyes, it's completely black out! It's so comfortable on your face, you can barely feel it. This isn't the exact brand I have, but it has all the same features. 

Madewell Transport Rucksack

And the cherry on top -- my new "personal item". I love my big travel tote I've used for the last couple of years, and the pockets make sense sometimes, but often it feels very over stuffed and heavy. It also is hard to fit a small purse inside. I've been seeing all these cute leather backpacks and decided that would make a much better personal item. I'm selling my tote because this Madewell backpack is a much better option for me! I did a trial pack and fit my laptop, iPad, small cross body bag, my big headphones, two magazines, a book my phone, and a handful of random items in with room to spare! Plus the backpack fit makes it feel much lighter on my shoulders than the large tote did. It also has 4 different small pockets to keep things like lipstick or other littles in, which is something I loved in my tote. The tote might be a better fit for me if I had a commute for work, but I think this backpack is a much better option as my new personal item!

Those are my upgrades! The travel pillow & eye mask are very reasonably priced. The backpack was a splurge, but I am a 1 bag kind of girl, so I prefer to have one perfect bag that I'll use for a long time rather than several options. (Plus, the resale of my tote almost paid for the backpack! win win!)

What are your favorite carry on items?
xo

Packing List for New Zealand

It took me WEEKS to figure out what I was going to bring to New Zealand. The weather was changing every time I looked, wavering from cold to warm. Not to mention we were traveling a significant distance (over 1400 miles, essentially the distance between Orlando, FL and Minneapolis, MN). We were facing temps between 40 & 85 degrees, and occasions from high class wine tasting to hours, in the car, to climbing a mountain.... how do you pack for that?!

Layers, my friend. Layers.

The funny thing, is I ended up packing almost the same things I always pack; half of my suitcase was working off my Spring Capsule Wardrobe with a few tweaks, and the other half is Hiking Gear for New Zealand. 

POWER PLAYERS ON THIS PACKING LIST

• Beautiful Maxi Dress: Warm enough to protect me from the breeze, beautiful enough for nice dinners and wine tasting, but casual enough for strolling around town. I wore this dress several times. We went to a nice dinner and the girl next to me was wearing North Face style from head to toe, and I was so thankful for my one beautiful outfit!
• Thin Sweaters: I practically lived in these while we were driving around. They were so comfortable, lightweight, but warm! 
• Scarf: As always, a scarf can be a life saver. I used it as a blanket on the plane and in the car, as an extra layer of warmth on a slightly windy day, and even as a beach blanket in a pinch. 

Just a few ways I wore these while wine tasting, walking around town, checking out easy nature sites (nothing that required hiking clothes), flights, driving all over the country and more. I mixed, matched, layered up and down, and managed to dress for every occasion on a pretty limited wardrobe.

POWER PLAYERS ON THIS PACKING LIST

• Rain Jacket: I've said it 1,000x - I don't know how I traveled before this thing. Even if it doesn't rain, a thin black jacket can be extremely helpful.
• Beanie: Keeps you warm, keeps the rain off your head, and can also be used as an accessory around town.
• Moisture Wicking Layers: When we did major hikes, layers were key. Dry fit fabrics take the sweat away from your skin, keeping you from freezing later on. They don't have to be expensive, they can come from Target or Wal Mart! But these fabrics are essential for hiking. Having layers around for less intense hikes was also good, so I could choose how many I wanted to wear. 

I definitely got my mileage out of that rain jacket. We penciled in a lot of activity (three longer hikes, sea kayaking, and several impromptu hikes along our way!) so being fully outfitted in activewear was necessary.

I would say that visiting New Zealand anytime of year would require suitcase half filled with active wear and half filled with nice, casual clothing. 

Have you visited New Zealand? What did you pack?!

xo

Capsule Wardrobe for Every Season

I'm always on a mission to pack less. Carrying on is a way of life and I can't recommend it enough!

What I've realized is having a basic selection of clothes for every season is the perfect building block for packing. With these capsule wardrobes, I start with these basics - then add or take away as needed. Add a more formal dress, or slightly lighter or heavier clothing depending on the location. It works pretty well! Here's my basic capsule for every season.

Spring can be a tricky time - warm days, cool nights... you  need a little bit of everything. Here's how you can have plenty to get you by without bringing your entire closet. This little 8 piece packing list gives you over 10 outfits with almost no effort. Also, pick a few lighter colors as a reward for getting through winter :)

POWER PLAYERS FOR SPRING

- Lightweight tops that can be layered with cardigans or a chambray.
- Dresses... because it's spring! I always bring tights because you  never know how breezy it will be.
- A lightweight scarf. A key ingredient in ANY weather.
- A pair of closed toed flats for chilly days, and sandals when the sun is shining.

Other Spring packing lists:
Charleston

Summer is HOT. You'll never ever see me in jeans unless I'm at the north pole. Moving from spring, I ditch the jeans for shorts and a skirt, add a dress and swap to tank tops.

POWER PLAYERS FOR SUMMER

- A black sundress can be dressed up or down, and can cover you from the beach to dinner.
- Maxi dress. Once again, can be good for a day date, bridal shower, dinner, or attending a wedding. Plus you can wear it again on the flight to stay warm.
- The chambray will take care of any breeze or shade, or more likely, cold restaurants.
- Tank tops go with your shorts, skirt and can be layered over the black dress! Seriously, don't ever forget the black dress!

Other Summer Packing lists:
Cruise Outfit Guide // Cruise for Women // Cruise for Men // Seattle // Vegas // Florida 

Fall is always a favorite. After sweating all Summer I'm ready for some layers. Like Spring, layers are key.

POWER PLAYERS FOR FALL

- Lightweight sweater. My black & grey sweater is a fall favorite because it's lightweight but still warm. I can add a tank top or jacket and be good to go.
- Wool dress. Add tights and you've got a cute evening outfit. It's also nice to mix it up from jeans.
- Fingerless tights. I love these things! They keep air from sneaking up your arms but aren't so hot that you can't breath.
- Medium weight scarves add the perfect layer of warmth on a chilly night or overcast day. Then your medium weight jacket can take care of every occasion.

Other Fall packing lists:
Italy // Chicago // Seattle 

Winter... I almost don't even want to talk about you since you're almost over. BLAH! The only redeeming quality about winter to me is cute sweaters and blanket scarves.

POWER PLAYERS FOR WINTER

- Merino wool sweater. It's the thinnest, warmest sweater you can invest in. They have them everywhere from TJ Maxx to Target to J.Crew & beyond - get one. I have one in a neutral tan so it goes with everything!
- Layerable clothing. You will wear at least two tops every single day, so make sure they can layer over each other and all match.
- Blanket scarf! I love mine. I use it as a blanket on the plane, wrap myself in it when I'm freezing, and have even used it as an extra blanket in a cold hotel. Get one.
- Thermal & fleece. While these aren't attractive, they are warm. They are worth a little extra bulk in your suitcase so you don't freeze.

Other Winter packing lists:
Sub Zero Temps // Hot & Cold Weather (in one bag) 

General Packing Tips
Mix & Match // Packing Math 

You can DO THIS! This weekend Matt & I shared a carry on suitcase. If I can do it, you can too. What essentials are in your capsule wardrobes?
xo

Packing Math

Nobody likes math. Everyone likes lighter suitcases.

This is the kind of equation I can get behind.

H M short sleeve jersey dress, $24 / H M long sleeve button shirt, $31 / H M grey sweat shirt, $24 / Mustard yellow cardigan, $24 / J Crew button down top / Jumpers sweater, $130 / American Eagle Outfitters vegan motorcycle jacket / Green military jacket / MICHAEL Michael Kors denim skinny jeans, $200 / Rich & Skinny colored denim jeans / Emilio Pucci panel legging, $630 / Steve Madden lacing boots, $120 / Oasis black chelsea boots, $105 / Forever 21 infinity loop scarve / Sole Society plaid scarve

95% of my Italy packing list includes things that easily mix & match. The burgundy pants clash pretty badly with the red tartan shirt, but that's my only clash. I justify the pants because they add a pop of color to plain colored tops & mix it up from boring jeans! I could even potentially wear the yellow cardigan over the tartan shirt as well... but we'll see how it looks in my trial run packing experiment this weekend! All I can say is THANK GOODNESS FOR PACKING CUBES!

The beauty of accessories is how much they can change your look. The black boots are more sleek for dinners and nicer areas. The brown are more casual. Also, the leather jacket can add a certain edge OR sophistication to an outfit, depending on what I do with jewelry or shoes! 

We're only going to be gone for 10 days, but this list would give me plenty of options for over a month. 

Add, subtract, multiply & divide. Who says math can't be fun?
xo

Other Packing Tips:
How to Pack Light & Always Carry On
How to Pack for Chicago in the Fall
Packing for the PNW

How To Choose the BEST Souvenirs When Traveling

So.... what are some good souvenirs to pick up on your travels?


Here are some tips to avoid choosing bad souvenirs that take up space & aren't useful. Just say "NO" to t-shirts and tchotchke Below, find some ideas on what souvenirs to consider that you'll love! No buyers remorse.

Jewelry & Accessories
I love jewelry & accessories. They take almost no room, and they're an awesome conversation starter. You can wear them any time and carry a little piece of your trip with you! 

Necklace: Chelsea Market, NYC
Bracelet: Little stand in Stockholm, Sweden
Ring & Earrings: Ixtapa, Mexico

Scarf: Camden Market, London

Something You Can Use
I'm fully addicted to coffee.... and coffee cups. I actually have to pace myself on this because I've already got a cabinet full of cups... 
But these are one of my favorite kind of souvenirs. Rather than a predictable I <3 NY mug, I chose one from the Brooklyn Flea. Instead of a "Starbucks Nashville" I have a few from my favorite coffee shops. This is an easy souvenir to reflect your personal experience with the city without going the tourist route. 

Bongo Room, Chicago, IL
Frothy Monkey, Nashville, TN
Brooklyn Flea, Brooklyn, NY
West End Cafe, Nashville, TN

Home Decor can work - as long as you have a place for it! I acquired this beautiful little dish in Morocco and it's made its way from my nightstand, to my desk, to my vanity, and back again. It's gorgeous and authentic - and I love it! Best of all it's functional. I keep bobby pins, rings, Chapstick  and other "littles" in there to avoid losing. Other good home goods could be a throw blanket, print, antique bud vase.... but make sure it's something you love very much or very functional. You don't want your keep sakes to end up being garage sale trash.

I've had it for 7 years and still use it consistently!

A 1900's map reprint on fabric we picked up in Seattle & framed for the reading nook!

Free is Fun

I love free just as much as the next girl, but a lot of the free souvenirs you'll find are likely junk. However, something I've grown to love collecting is books/boxes of matches. As smoking becomes more faux pas (yay!) the matches become harder to find (boooo). A lot of places still have them around, you just have to ask. Chat with hostess, bartender, or a front desk associate as hotels, bars and restaurants are your best bet. I have dozens of boxes - it's my favorite souvenir to search for! I also have some sweet friends who bring me matches from their travels, which is super fun.

Local Treasure
These can be something that area is known for. For example, my friends who visited Thailand both came back with these beautiful silk house robes. What a fun souvie! My goal in Italy is to find a beautiful leather purse, as the leather goods are incredible there. 

Think about your personal preference and what you love -- how can you find a souvenir that works for you & that you'll cherish forever?

What are your favorite souvenirs you've collected over the years?
xo

How to Pack for Lake Chelan

Lake Chelan - full of amazing views and red wine.... what more could you really want?

Since I was coming to the PNW for 10 days, including a lake weekend, wedding festivities, and typical Seattle activities... I had to pack smart & versatile. Here were my outfit combos for Lake Chelan.

Vintage dress / Little Mistress strapless maxi dress, $105 / Topshop cut out dress, $55 / American eagle outfitters shirt / T By Alexander Wang linen shirt / Alice Olivia silk blouse / Abercrombie Fitch white tank top / Jacket / American Eagle Outfitters black jacket / MICHAEL Michael Kors blue jeans / H&M chino shorts, $8.15 / Neck tie / Bikini bathing suit / Madden Girl strap sandals / Restricted ballerina shoes / Strappy sandals, $115 / MICHAEL Michael Kors leather tote bag / Michael Kors crossbody purse / Ulster Weavers canvas purse, $24 / Michael Stars hat / Yves Saint Laurent black sunglasses / H M braided belt, $21

Chelan is casual but classic. Here are some of my thoughts on packing for Chelan:

• Longer Chino Short allows for warmer weather but can also be classy for a winery. 
• A few dresses keep your options open and can have a jacket layered for cooler evenings
• Nice sandals will do - no need for beach flip flops as you won't be getting them sandy or wet.
• Easy accessories like a hat and sunglasses give you extra options

Just flashback to my full Seattle Packing List. I pulled key pieces from this wardrobe to make a casual lake weekend work.

It seems like I wore everything.... but the good news is that there were still PLENTY of outfits left for the 7 days I had left in Seattle! 

Stay tuned for those outfit combinations.
xo

How To Pack for 4 Nights in Vegas

This post is dedicated to my fun & fashionable friend, Carly. She travels on the regular & is admittedly an over-packer.

She's making changes to her packing game and is headed to Vegas next week, so she asked if I'd drum up a guide for 4 nights in Vegas... so here we are :)

If you've never been to Vegas, it's FUN. Late nights, bright lights, sensory overload. Days are filled with laying by the pool, going to the spa, and of course - shopping. When we went, I feel like I changed my outfit at least three times a day, so you definitely need options.

This would also be a good jumping off point for packing for a cruise, or any other scinereo where you'll need casual daytime clothing and fancier night time clothing.

Warehouse black hat, $41 / D&G sunglasses, $995 / Collar necklace / Oasis black enamel earrings, $13 / Forever New earrings, $8.94 / Luv Aj charm pendant, $135 / Rebecca Minkoff leather handbag / Ted Baker leather purse, $180 / Manning Cartell strapless dress / Hervé Léger pink dress / Black cocktail dress / Oversized shirt / White top, $82 / Alice Olivia pink shirt / Forever New black scoop neck top, $54 / Lipsy cover up, $57 / French Connection cover up / Chicnova Fashion black kimono / Moschino Cheap Chic playsuit romper / spring st sundress Factorie, $18 / Stretch jeans, $42 / River Island mini skirt, $41 / Rag & bone shorts / Beach panty, $98 / Crochet swimsuit / Swimsuits two piece / Seafolly swimsuits two piece, $65 / Sol Sana flat sandals / Tory Burch pumps / Valentino high heel shoes / Atwell black flat

Your Packing List:
3 bottoms (shorts, pants, skirt)
4 tops 
4 shoes (2 heels, 1 flat, 1 sandal)
2 suits
2 cover ups
5 dresses (4 fancy, 1 sundress)
1 outerwear
3 bags (large handbag, cross body clutch, misc. tote)
handful of accessories (sunnies, hat, 2 necklaces, 3 earrings)

With your two bathing suits & two cover ups, you should be good for 4 days at the pool. The suits you bring should mix & match. If you want to wear a different cover up each day, swap in shorts or the floating sundress. You only wear it out to the pool & immediately take it off, so it won't be getting dirty. Choose sandals that are nice enough for boutique shopping but also won't get ruined by pool water. Take your tote as your beach bag with all of your essentials.

Checkered shirt / Forever New beaded top, $54 / Cut off shirt, $82 / Alice Olivia pink tank / Chicnova Fashion black kimono / River Island yellow a line skirt, $41 / Black stretch jeans, $42 / Rag & bone torn shorts / Sol Sana alligator shoes / Atwell black skimmer / Rebecca Minkoff genuine leather handbag / Ted Baker white shoulder bag, $180 / Oasis art deco earrings, $13 / Forever New stone jewelry, $8.94 / Luv Aj lobster claw charm, $135 / Warehouse black fedora, $41 / D&G mirrored sunglasses, $995

For lunch, shopping, heading to the spa, travel days, or a casual evening, take the versatile items you've packed and have fun mixing & matching! Choose neutrals (don't forget, pale pink, navy blue & olive green are considered neutral) as your base and then choose your pops of color. In this capsule wardrobe, the bottoms are plain in print (but not necessarily in color with that yellow skirt!), and all of the tops have a design, texture or graphic to make them more exciting. Neutrals don't equal boring! This will provide plenty of options, as these 11 outfits can be further customized with your accessory choice. The possibilities with well selected base items will set you up with dozens of outfits, no matter what your mood.

Manning Cartell starry dress / Black beaded cocktail dress / Hervé Léger herve leger dress / Moschino Cheap Chic black romper / Tory Burch heels & pumps / Valentino shoes / Rebecca Minkoff pink leather satchel / Ted Baker white leather purse, $180 / Forever New stone earrings, $8.94 / Oasis black jewelry, $13 / Gold statement necklace / Luv Aj lobster clasp charm, $135

Nightlife is HUGE in Vegas! There are so many shows - Cirque de Sole, singers, magicians, comedians, musicals - so many restaurants to eat at, so many bars to try, casinos to play, clubs to dance at... you'll be out all night no matter how you slice it. And in Vegas, it's dress to impress. A sexy dress (and a romper!) for each night, two pairs of heels and a few accessories to mix it up. If you're able to narrow it down to one heel, you'll be thankful in the end - but in a city that never truly sleeps, an extra pair of heels will end up getting their use. Don't forget to bring ones that are comfortable.... the Strip is long!

Hervé Léger dress / Manning Cartell silver strapless dress / Sleeve shirt / Forever New scoop neck top, $54 / Moschino Cheap Chic black romper / spring st sundress Factorie, $18 / Chicnova Fashion black kimono / Sol Sana flats sandals / Atwell metallic flat / Rebecca Minkoff pink leather purse / Ted Baker leather cross body purse, $180 / Forever New diamante jewelry, $8.94 / Oasis black drop earrings, $13 / Luv Aj gold tone necklace, $135 / Warehouse black fedora hat, $41 / D&G round frame sunglasses, $995

With versatile pieces, your evening dresses can be used for day time, hitting the casinos, or a more casual dinner. Changing from heels to flats with the romper dresses it down, and adding the hat is super fun. Peplum tops are SO versatile in a situation where you're packing a lot of dresses... because they can be layered over top and instantly create the illusion of a skirt - plus you've got a whole new outfit. This sundress probably wasn't necessary to pack, either... but if I'm being honest, I LIVE in sundresses - I like having one in my suitcase so I can just throw it on and run to the store, grab something out of the car, or lounge around the hotel in it. I also love layering lady like pieces (the lace romper) with a more casual piece (the sweatshirt)... It's so casually cool.

Choose pieces you love and make sense for your style. For example, don't pack jeans if you never wear them, choose a 2nd pair of shorts or a skirt instead). If you don't wear it at home, you won't wear it when you travel! Or swap heels for a pair of sexy boots. Whatever it is, make sure you love it and it makes sense for your destination.

You don't need to pack more clothing... you just need to rethink how you wear it!

Have fun in Vegas, and play some blackjack for me.
xo

Other Packing Lists
Packing for 1 Month in Florida (in a Carry On!)
How to Pack Light and Always Carry On
Toiletry Swap: Eliminate Liquids in your Bag

picture day.

My talented friend Abby was in town this weekend, so I thought it was a good time to have some pictures taken for a Christmas card! You know when you're in high school and you say "I'm always going to do ___________ when I'm an adult", and now that you are, you probably do two of those things? Yeah, well sending out a Christmas card/having family photos taken was on my absurd list, and it's probably the only thing i've stuck to.

Abby is the photographer and designer behind Conteur Co., and also the woman responsible for my engagement photos which i LOVED.

She's probably the only person I don't feel awkward around with a camera pointed directly at me.

Speaking of vulnerability, i could probably find something wrong with myself in every single one of these pictures. I'm working on not doing that anymore, and accepting my quirks and self-proclaimed flaws.... but it's a process.

(I'm looking at you, crooked smile.)

So if anyone out there feels the same way when seeing themselves in pictures, I hope you'll join me in trying to accept your quirks, too :)

Anyway, here are a few of my favorites from the 1 million she took this weekend at Shelby Bottoms Park.

this one sums us up pretty well i think :)

The full set can be found here, and I'd highly suggest Abby for your weddings, babies, engagements, christmas cards, and so on! Also, any insight to the best photo for a Christmas card.... suggestions welcome! :)

A Little About Our Wedding

Yes... crazily enough... i am now a married woman. 7 months and 4 days of dating, 63 days of engagement. If you haven't spent time around me with Matt, you probably think we're crazy. But i think it's the right kind of crazy, because i simply adore him :)

If there's anything i've learned over the past 4 or 5 years through my own experience and through doing life with friends, it's simply this - everyone has their own story.

and i *love* ours.

If it was my decision, you'd be reading a blog about how matt and i eloped and ran away to greece!!!!!

But alas, he wanted a real wedding. And i know if it was the other way around, he would have made sure i had the perfect wedding - so i practice that compromise thing everyone is always talking about in marriage ;)

I'm writing this blog because i've had a lot of people ask me about the planning aspect of our wedding, especially with a short engagement and not spending a fortune! I've never liked spending a lot of money, unless it's on a plane ticket. Here are some of the details that went into our big day.

Our Short Little To-Do List.... :)

1 - The style

Although it's what's popular right now, i've always loved vintage stuff. All of my furniture is my grandparents, from a yard sale, or quite frankly found on the side of the road. So, all of my natural tendencies are to go for something slightly worn over something new and shiny. So i trusted my gut (and i'm SO GLAD i did!)

All of the furniture we used for the wedding was ours already or Matt built it. He built about 20 pallet benches, that we actually sold after the wedding. Otherwise, we used my dresser (gifted to me from my grandpa's house), my vintage trunk (found on the side of the road). Plus candles, candles, candles. I bought all of the pillar candles i could find, because i LOVE candles. They make everything cozy.

2 - Invitations

After going back and forth on designs, colors and everything else.... we both decided we wanted something beautiful and simple. I didn't want a flashy colorful invitation, but i wanted something that reflected our style - vintage, shabby chic. So after a great idea from Matt, we checked out stamps on Etsy. We ordered two custom stamps (one of our logo - M+R in a heart, and one of our actual invitation details), bought stock paper from the craft store, and we made the invitations.

M+R Stamp - http://www.etsy.com/listing/89481555/personalized-solid-heart-hand-carved?ref=pr_shop

Wedding Invite Stamp - http://www.etsy.com/shop/lovetocreatestamps?section_id=5677892

Total Cost: $95 + 2 hrs of creating/addressing

I absolutely loved them. Not to mention, i used the rest of the card stock and M+R Stamp to write thank you notes, and in other aspects of our wedding

Our Mad Libs - an alternative to the guest book!

Customized Vino - created by yours truly

Labels for food - it's important to know where the peanut butter cups are on the dessert tray!

3 - Flowers

This was a fall wedding, so it was hard to find the things i wanted that were in season. I wanted "dusty" colors, all very light, as that was the developing theme. 

I chose garden roses, because they are HUGE - similar to peonies (which are not a November flower). I used the purple lionium instead of lavender, which was also out of season. And the greens were sage and eucalyptus - they were both chosen because they were almost a faded green, and not super bright. My bouquet had gardenias in it - my favorite - and were the most expensive part of the entire process.

I was also lucky to have a friend volunteer her flowers arranging services. Megan did the most amazing job arranging our bouquets, boutonnieres, and misc. arrangements throughout the wedding! We ordered the flowers from Import Flowers, and they were designed by our dear friend Megan! - www.impfl.com

Our Flowers: $215 total. And we had tons left over!

5 - Cake

I wasn't set on a traditional cake. I also didn't want to do cupcakes. My friend Pam suggested a friend of hers that does cake pops! I LOVED this idea. We ended up ordering oreo (my favorite) cake pops and cheesecake (matt's favorite) as well. We also got a small, red velvet rose cake for us to cut (per matt's request!). 

They were delicious, as well as adorable.

Cake pops: 75cents each, + cake + delivery - $200 (note: we probably had 100 pops left over!)

To order from Sam (she does small and large orders!) - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweet-Sam/338201469622230?ref=ts&fref=ts

7 - Bridal Party Wardrobe

Personally, i've never had to spend more than $50 on a dress to be in a wedding. And i think that's awesome. I feel very lucky to also have always felt comfortable in the dress i was asked to wear - bonus! So, with that in mind, we let our bridal party pick their own outfits in a color scheme.

The Inspiration

Dusty, light pinks and purples for the girls

Grey cardigans or vest for the guys... with dark jeans

The Outcome

I was pretty happy with the way it looked :)

We got the ties for the boys, and we got them from http://www.solidcolorneckties.com/ - which sounds insane. But seriously, the ties were about $6 each and had free shipping. WIN!

7 - Venue

This one was the biggest thing for us. I was dying to get married outside. Even though it was a total gamble in November (btw - we couldn't have been luckier, with a sunny, 70 degree day), but i was hell bent. I also was furious that most venues, ie a patch of grass with an electrical outlet were trying to charge upwards of $7000 for 8 hours. And it didn't include anything. This might be typical for a wedding, but i KNEW there had to be a better way.

We stayed about as local as we could - and got married on the front porch of a bed and breakfast that shares a backyard alley with matt's (now, our) home. It couldn't have been more perfect.

Afterwards, we moved the party to our backyard - which was my favorite decision we made.

We spent money re-doing the backyard and making imporvements to it, rather than renting a space. We now have a beautiful backyard for hosting friends and family! It was win-win. 

before the party started

8 - DIY Photo Booth

I have a dear friend who deserves credit for allowing me to borrow his camera set up (in exchange for me promising to take very very good care of it!). I bought a handful of dress-up items (pirate hat, feather boa) and printed out some funny phrases, as well as some celeb faces (let's be honest, i just wanted justin timberlake at my wedding) and matt and i's as well - because i thought it was funny :)

Cost: Probably like $20 on props and printing.

I should also probably mention, the most important thing on my radar was our PHOTOGRAPHER! And we made an amazing decision with Eden! The photos above are by her, and i love them :) 

www.edenfrangipane.com

Those are probably the questions we've been asked about the most. Everyone has their own style, and i felt like our wedding was ours! It was a great day, and i'm glad it turned out the way it did :)