a bora bora honeymoon from tahiti legends

one of my dearest friends has just gotten engaged, and i am delighting in the opportunity to relive my own experiences through her. my favorite part of advice-giving? the honeymoon.

my dream has always been a tahitian escape, so for all you brides out there with the same dream, i must recommend tahiti legends, an incredible travel website focused on the south pacific. they offer travel, accommodations, and activity packages at varying price levels, so you can choose the luxury combination that best suits you.

just a few of my loves? the overwater bungalows, like the ones shown here at the intercontinental bora bora le moana resort. the primitive thatched roofs and hot pink bougainvillea against the aqua blue water is just a stunning, a one-of-a-kind view.

and then there are the suites. oooh, my. they're not cheap, but then, you are buying heaven.

my favorite are the rooms at the hilton bora bora nui resort, with its romantic draped bedding and view of the water off the private deck.

a close second, though, are the rooms at the sofitel motu bora bora, with their vibrant colors, fresh flowers, and glass coffee tables that open up on the sea life swimming below.

hey, if you're going to have a honeymoon, have a honeymoon. it's a once in a lifetime splurge, after all.

birds of a feather

i am loving this dreamy, rustic, vintage-esque trend of including birds and branches in weddings this season. it's fresh and airy and organically delicate.

i'm seeing the design trend in gowns, like this feathery confection from the 2011 pronovias "dreams" collection, called fidji. i'm also seeing it in decor, like these chic birds and branches centerpieces from martha stewart.

probably my fave, though, is applying the theme directly on the wedding cake, like this tuscan birds and berries stunner from superfine bakery. there's something so familiar and yet so unique about it.

now, you know this means a birds and branches invitation design from paper olive is not far behind. :o)

a rustic southern wedding at fearrington barn

while i love all things modern, i am also a sucker for all things vintage and rustic — and of course, chic. to that end, what could be more rustic and chic than a southern wedding held in an historic north carolina barn?

the folks at fearrington village may just have one of the most appealing, charming regional venues in all the south. in truth, there are several venues at fearrington, but my favorite is definitely the barn.

there's just something exceptional about the image of a couple enclosed in a rough-hewn barn made soft and romantic by silks, fresh flowers, twinkling lights, and an army of guests decked out in all their finery. if you're a bride anywhere near north carolina, you must consider this venue. and of course, send pictures!

photos courtesy of fearrington village, missy mclamb photography and abigail seymour photography.

welcome baskets from sara's gracious goodies

we love a good welcome basket, and even more, we love a really good story. we found both at sara's gracious goodies — a gift package service located in long island, ny.

first, the baskets. with incredible resources like chocolove, delancey dessert company and crumb's bake shop, sara's baskets are lush, bountiful and absolutely delicious. they are the perfect way to welcome weary travelers and special guests after the long journey to their hotel.

not only are the treats fabulous, you have the option of packing them in clever totes — like these, designed with maps of the five burroughs of new york. utterly adorable.

as for the story? as sara was expecting her first child, she and her husband travelled across the country for a wedding. exhausted and hungry from a long ordeal, they were met by a welcome bag that unfortunately added to the misery of a long days travel {oh, we've been there}.

it was in that moment that sara knew that there could be a better and more fulfilling way to greet a weary and tired loved one. sara got back from her trip, told all of her ideas to her mom and together they created sara’s gracious goodies.

we're so glad they did.

in a new york {wedding} minute

my latest hobby is discovering new photographers, so when i stumbled upon this heart-stopping new york image, i absolutely had to share it.

taken by new york wedding photographer ryan brenizer, it captures more than merely the beautiful couple in love, but also the locale — which so obviously played a key role in this event. the glowing street lamps, the city vibe, the casual pose on the park bench...

it's a perfect photo of a perfect moment.

couture gowns for less at preowned wedding dresses

so, you have your heart set on an incredible $10,000 lela rose {like her mansion gown pictured here} or a dreamy $12,000 monique lhuillier straight off the runway. problem is, finding budget for the dress would mean your guests won't get any food.

well, if you haven't already heard, there is a solution.

in 2004, the brilliant peeps at preowned wedding dresses came up with a comprehensive listing service that connects newlywed brides with engaged brides — those with expensive gowns they can no longer use can recover a little cash by reselling their couture to those without the budget to buy new. it's genius.

think about it. most brides are so protective of their beloved dresses that they come through the wedding in near-perfect condition, totally resellable. you can search the listings by designer, size, style. it's simple. and in this age of reuse-recycle, buying a preowned gown is totally eco-chic.

have a look and see if you find your dream dress — or a buyer for the one you already wore. :o)

chocolate chic by rogue confections

so, i love chocolate and i love weddings, right? well, nothing makes me happier than combining these two things, and the ever-amazing amy shey jacobs of chandelier events was kind enough to send me the deets on a company doing just that.

rogue confections makes yummy chocolates that are so ridiculously pretty i almost don't want to eat them (but i will). available in 56% semisweet, 31% milk & 25% white chocolate, the sweets come adorned in lovely vintage patterns that make incredibly unique favors.

and what's more? you can customize the designs. provide your own monogram or a favorite pattern for stand-out wedding favors or clever save the dates. love it!

spring color + easter chic = a hip holiday wedding

just in time for easter, i thought i'd share some of my favorite finds and color obsessions for this wonderful spring holiday.

honestly, pastels and bunnies can be too cutesy for a sophisticated wedding. however, blending several rustic vintage elements with delicate florals creates fabulous texture. mix in pale pinks with bolder spring colors like teal and you have an elegant formal event that has the perfect hint of holiday whimsy.

favorites in this bunch? that gown. oooh, lela rose. so lush, soooo romantic. i just love it.

another fave is the brooch bouquet by fantasy floral. i can't get over that these are not flowers, but rather, an eclectic bunch of vintage brooches gathered in lieu of flowers, creating a stunning bouquet that can be kept as a unique keepsake far beyond the wedding day. it's too clever, don't you think?

design & photo credits

first row — egg cup arrangements • dreamhouse; chocolate egg favors • country living; tiered tea buffet • the ritz carlton via fête à fête

second row — wedding gown • lela rose; brooch bouquet • fantasy floral

third row — tablescape • bbj linen