1 Year Anniversary!

Time is a really funny thing.  Sometimes events seem like they were ages ago, and sometimes like they were yesterday.  My wedding day feels like a big giant yesterday.  I remember a million moments from that day, and the days leading up to it, and that amazing feeling of happiness that just completely overcomes you the moment you say "I Do" to your best friend.  It probably helps that there are photos of that perfect moment plastered all over my apartment, haha!

Then I look at these snapshots, and the thousands more I have just like it, and say WOW what a year. We did a TON this year.  We celebrated and traveled and visited and shopped and ate and drank and celebrated more and traveled more and it was wonderful.  I am so lucky to have Tristan as a husband and so grateful to have had such an amazing wedding and such a fun year.  I look forward to a lifetime of more anniversaries and more memories with him.  Love is pretty awesome!!!!! So are anniversaries! So is my husband!

Bon Voyage

This may have been about 10 months ago, but it's never too late for a honeymoon! Tristan and I are headed on a cruise from Greece to Italy.  I can't wait to set sail, eat, drink, read, tour, take pictures and relax!  It's going to be fantastic. Our bags are PACKED!   See you soon! 

A Bouquet Commission

I recently took on the really fun commission of making a bridal bouquet for a wedding in North Carolina.  I had made the  bouquets for my wedding, and the bride loved the concept of something to last forever.  She wanted to keep her color palette limited to whites, grays and silvers and sent me some family heirlooms as well as a beautiful base that she thrifted.  Working on this was an absolute pleasure. I do SO much work digitally that sometimes you just wanna whip out the crazy glue and go wild.  And I did…The result is below! I hope she likes it!!

6 months folks, 6 months!

Today TRISTAN & I ARE MARRIED FOR 6 MONTHS! We have our album now, and ordered some prints of pictures. Our apartment is slowly becoming a shrine to October 6, 2012 and I'm totally ok with it. The photo above of a print I made using photos from our photo booth. It was fun to make (and the world's biggest file) and I'm really happy with how it came out.  The embroidery to the right of the print was made by my friend Jessie. Says "till death do us part" and it's day of the dead style replicas of Tristan & myself. Pretty awesome!! 

Wedding Blog Fame!

I'm happy to share that our wedding was featured on one of my favorite wedding blogs, Love Toast! You can read their beautiful post about the wedding day HERE and the world's most amazing cake topper HERE!

Thanks, Love Toast!

3 years ago...

3 years ago I met the man who is now my husband! Thought it would be nice opportunity to share one of my favorite wedding photos. Not that I'm totally obsessed with my wedding photos or anything ;-)

Tristan rented out the mansion from the movie Annie as a wedding day surprise so we could use it for photos. Annie is my all time favorite movie, and by fate, we found out the mansion was down the block from our wedding venue.  It was such a special hour in the day and such a thoughtful surprise.  And yes, I sang tunes from Annie throughout the entire photo shoot.  

Photo by Off Beet Productions.  

Take a Seat

My mom went to the wedding of the lovely Nicole-The-Poet a few years ago, and saved her seat placer she loved it so much!  Nicole had used sand dollars and I loved the idea since Tristan & I were married on the beach.  Also, very early in our relationship Tristan took a family trip to North Carolina and came back with a sand dollar for me. I loved including wedding details that were little nods to our lives.  At the Christmas Tree Shop (heaven in a store) I was able to find T-O-N-S of sand dollars and starfish and so decided to mix them with tags and charms.  Everything was attached with a natural color twine, and you can see the result below: 

I've always been a big fan of beads and charms and had the time of my life scrolling through Etsy to find the perfect ones for this.  Montage Supply was an amazing Etsy shop I worked with to get charms for these seat placers and the bouquets I made myself and my bridesmaids.  This shop is particularly good for specialty wedding themed charms.  The seller was even able to find me charms that said "flower girl" for the flower baskets!  Tristan's Groom heart charm is pictured on the seat placer above.  My bride charm was on my bouquet.  Other shops I ordered charms from were Bohemian Findings and Charm Emporium. 

Overall I am really happy with how these turned out.  They were quick and easy! My big regret is not setting Tristan's and mine aside at the wedding so we could keep them.  Oh well! At least we have the picture! All photos in the post are by Off Beat Productions. 

The Cake Topper of All Cake Toppers

Wanna know a secret? One of my bestest pals in the entire world happens to be the most talented human on earth. Yep, it's true. Liz Lomax, sculpture extraordinare, recreated Tristan and me for our cake topper. Tristan doesn't like cake, and I'm lactose intolerant, so Liz's amazing sculpture sat on top of tiered cupcakes. She captured every single detail in what Tristan and I were wearing completely, down to my complicated and ornate knob bouquet. She even nailed my engagement ring! Liz worked for ages, with her fiance (thank you Chris!!!), on it everywhere from England to Spain to NYC and I am eternally grateful. Her piece is so amazing and the likeness of us is insanely accurate!!! Everyone that said hello to us at the wedding (which was everyone...because it was our wedding haha) mentioned how jaw-droppingly gorgeous our cake topper was. Now it sits proudly on our shelf at home, safely protected by a glass dome. We will have it for the rest of our lives and it seriously makes me smile daily.

Liz sculpted Tristan and me in a taxi cab that plays homage to the style of cabs during the era my grandfather was a cab driver.  For those who don't know, Tristan tracked down my grandfather's cab and proposed to me in it! Liz sculpting us in that cab makes it just that more special.

Below are some photos of it in progress, including one from the wedding day where Liz put on some finishing touches in between hair & makeup!

And here are some photos of the finished product, by Off Beat Productions:

The sugar taxis that are on each of our cupcakes are from Lena's Gum Paste Creations on Etsy. Working with her for this custom order was a pleasure! Thank you Lena!

So many people say they don't really remember their wedding. They say it all becomes one beautiful blur. I do have to say I remember mine really well. I think that is because of the handmade and personal touches, and this unbelievable gift from my BFF is no exception. I have a clear vision of standing there to cut the cupcakes, next to my brand new husband, staring out towards the gorgeous topper with everyone close to me cheering and watching. It was incredible and this topper will always remind me of that perfect moment! Thank you Liz!!!!!!

Something Blue & Sweet

Pretty much as soon as Tristan & I got engaged, I started thinking about the candy bar I wanted at our wedding.  I have been reading the Amy Atlas blog for years and completely adore her work.  I think her displays are original and eye-catching.  Amy was definitely my inspiration throughout the whole process.  I also love pinterest for this sorta thing and spent hours and hours looking for creative ideas and interpretations.

Pretty early on, we decided having it "something blue" themed would be fun and I thought it would look great against our beach backdrop.  After ordering the candy and cookies for it, I got to work on signage for the candy bar itself.  I wanted it to match back to the bouquets I made for myself and my bridesmaids, and I wanted it to be unique.

What I came up with wasssssss…drum roll please….this:

(photo by Jimmy of Off Beat Productions)

I am really happy with how it came out, and photographed the process if you'd like to try to make your own or something similar.

Supplies:

*Glass base (something that won't melt in an oven!)

*Styrofoam ball to fit into the top

*Sculpy Ultra Light oven bake clay

*Assorted knobs, buttons, gems, papers, and ribbons (stay away from plastic items that might melt when heated in an oven)

*Krazy glue

*Florist pins with pretty pearls at the ends

Step 1: Gather your supplies. Make sure to have a large assortment of items and that all your supplies are not too heavy.

Step 2: Place the styrofoam ball (or oval) into your glass base.

Step 3: Cover the styrofoam area that's not in the glass with the Sculpy Ultra Light oven bake clay.  Make sure the layer of clay is not too thin, but no thicker than a quarter of an inch.

Step 4: Start with your large and heavy items and push them into the styrofoam base.  When using knobs, make sure to spread them out so all aren't in one area. Otherwise, your piece will topple over when complete.

 

Step 5: For items that need adhesive, coat them with Krazy Glue and use florist pins to secure down.  

 

 

Step 6: I inserted paper straws into the base that would later hold the sign that I printed, saying "Something Blue." Do not not not use plastic straws. They're thin and flimsy and will melt in the oven.

Step 7: Finish covering all clay areas and make sure all loose parts are secured with Krazy Glue and florist pins.

 

Step 8: Bake for 11 minutes at 275 degrees F. Yes, bake.  In your oven.  Stay close-by and if something smells like it's burning, remove it.

Trust me on this, I burnt an entire bouquet once.

Step 9: YOU DID IT! Now share some photos with me, I'd love to see!

Now all you need to do is supply the actual candy bar with candy and you're ready to go!

 

A wedding video!

I interrupt this streak of 12 dates of Christmas to share our wedding video! We hired Wedding Mix by Story Mix and they shipped us a few cameras and passed them out to our friends! HUGE special shout out to Chris who taped the ENTIRE ceremony! Last night was the first night I watched it in its entirety and we are so grateful to have this footage.THANK YOU! I put together this little montage with the storymix clips and our photos from the amazing Off Beat Productions.  

If you're going to use Story Mix for your own big day, I highly recommend shooting as much in natural day light as possible! And bring a light for the inside shots. We have so many great moments captured, and Story Mix was great about lightening our videos as much as possible, but I thought I would pass along these words of wisdom.  It's definitely an affordable option to a wedding videographer, and I'm glad we did it!

Words of Wisdom

Three of my closest friends in the entire universe put together the cutest speech EVER for our rehearsal dinner. The venue turned out to be louder than expected, so they saved it for right before we went down the aisle. It was beyond special, and totally perfect for me and even though it is out of character, MADE ME CRY! Anyway, I just had to share…because I love it and love them!! Watch it, it's hilarious (and sweet)!!! 

Mr. & Mrs.

And just like that, Tristan & I are husband and wife! Our wedding was the most amazing, special, incredible day of my life. I'm looking forward to sharing photos now of the handmade touches I have been working on over the past year. So stay tuned! 

It turns out wedding planning…

...is really really fun.  It definitely tests your patience at times and can feel a bit overwhelming, BUT overall, it's amazing and I am going to miss it. You're planning this huge party with your friends and family to celebrate marrying your favorite person  in the world. I mean, what is better than that? Not much! 

Friends are starting to roll in to town, last minute details are being sewn up and I've answered the question "ARE YOU NERVOUS" about 750 times today alone!  Haha, this means IT.IS.TIME! 

I hear the day becomes a blur,  so I'm looking forward to taking moments to hold on to the details. I think because so much of this wedding is handmade and filled with personal touches, Tristan & I will remember lots.  This will always be the year we planned our wedding and can't even express enough gratitude for our friends and family who supported us so much during this process! 

XOXO,

a-soon-to-be-MRS!

one month from today...

i'm marrying my best friend! Doesn't get much more exciting than that. :-)

We're pretty much done with the planning. We have a food tasting coming up....I have a hair trial and a few crafts to finish....seating charts need to be finalized and song request lists need to be sent!
Everyone always says wedding planning is so much work...and um, now i can confirm YES IT IS. Buuuuut it's fun work, and I think I 'm going to miss it!!

ALL I CAN SAY…

Is that I am very lucky. My family is the best. My friends are the best. Lucky is an understatement!

My mom & sister hosted the most beautiful & thoughtful shower of all time for me! With the help of my momager's manager Heidi they found an amazing venue called Liberty House that has a gorgeous city view. My Aunt Isabel and cousin Kate created A PURPLE CANDY BAR that was perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!! Purple snickers, purple laffy taffy, purple kisses, purple cupcakes, etc! I loved it!!!

The shower was wine themed and was complete with wine pitchers with flowers on each table and a wine wishing well! (How cool is that? SO COOL!!!)

My mom & sister read a cute panty themed poem and now I have underwear for every life occasion to come! It was hilarious and so much fun. 

Margot-ria's (champagne sangria) was a'flowin' and my favorite ladies from near and far were there! I was blown away by how many people flew in for it, and it made the day that much more special! I was gifted a COUNTLESS amount of amazing things, that Tristan & I plan to keep and treasure forever. 

Having so many people wish you well and offer their love and support all in one room, at one time, is truly amazing. It was a day I will never forget! 

From the shower, we started the Bachelorette party! I wanted to do both events on the same day because so many had flown in. Seriously it wasssss the  Best. Weekend. Ever.

I'm still recovering ;-) 

Next up, THE WEDDING!  

Lately...

Lately has been filled with calligraphy pens, stamp discussions, and spray paint around these parts! The wedding is a short 65 days away. I can't believe how fast time is flying now. My big projects for the wedding are done, now it's all little things, final details and dress fittings! I've fallen in love with the planning process.  Here are some recent snaps....

What have you been up to lately?

Some photo fame...

Our engagement session is featured on one of my favorite blogs- Love Toast! So excited about this...check out their fantastic post HERE!

PS....74 DAYS TO GO!

100 days....

......till tristan and i are MARRIED!
in honor of this landmark event, a photo taken in front of the landmark on 100th street.

....feeling really excited and lucky these days. I know the next 100 days will f-l-y by so trying to really enjoy them and not wish them to pass too quickly.
Incase you missed my earlier post about our engagement photoshoot, you can read it HERE!

and happy birthday Rachel!! My little sister is not so little. she turns 25 today! xo!

Picture Perfect!

A little over a week ago Tristan & I met with our wedding photographer for an engagement photoshoot.  I obsessed for a few weeks over MY VISION and I have to say, my fiance is one good sport!!! Jimmy, our photographer, sent us a preview of the images he took and I couldn't be happier with them. I think they capture Tristan & me really really well and most of all, I don't think they are cheesy. I am allergic to cheese….literally and figuratively. 

Here is an inspiration board I put together for the photoshoot:

*1*2*3*4*5*6*

We had planned on going to brooklyn to get some amazing city views, but decided on our roof about a week before. We hang out on our roof whenever possible, and we knew I would be able to create a set up there.  I also knew that if we shot near our apartment, I would be able to have outfit changes. Clearly, this is very important business.  

And here are a few photos:

(more to come!!)

Important things:
*Visit Jimmy's photography website HERE! Jimmy is from Kate Connolly Photography/ Off Beat Productions! 

*Tristan gifted me the yellow #wedo sign from iTagStudios. After my Wendy show appearance, we became in touch over twitter, so #wedo, #iloveyou, & # any sentiment really is special to us. The day I moved in with Tristan he got me the hello sign that now hangs on our door from the same shop.  He's one thoughtful fella! :-) 

*My dress is from Lulu's. I actually found it on Pinterest, fell in love and bought it about 2 days later.  It was my first order from Lulu's and I can definitely confirm I am a fan!

*Frye boots are a gift from my momager

*Cowboy boots are Jeffrey Campbell

*My green shirt is DKNY and jeans are DL 1961

*The picnic basket was part of a thoughtful picnic themed engagement gift from our friends Nikki & Mark

*Yellow plates are Fiestaware, gifted off our wedding registry from my parents

*Lavender is from the Union Sq Farmer's Market 

*The "Forever" silver letters are Wendy Addison for Tinsel Trading

*Tristan's tie is Tommy Hilfiger. It was one of his gift a day's he's getting for June in honor of his 30th birthday (June 25th!)

*Steps are on 100th street between Riverside Blvd and Riverside park

*Greenery shots are on the border of Riverside Park