Summer Time Table Numbers

I think the entire U S of A has the long weekend on the brain, me included. And really, what is 4th of July without outdoor entertaining? I spotted these amazing galvanized tins on Once Wed a little while back and my mind immediately replaced the peonies (which rarely happens) with hydrangeas, tied an awesome red ribbon around the tin, and replaced the napkin with a pretty red or blue gingham print and tada! You now have a fabulous 4th of July table.

Want to hear the best part? These fun finds can be found for $10 at Modern Chic Home.

{via}

 

Tuesday Shoesday

Dear ladies and gentlemen - I present you, the perfect 4th of July shoe.  Patriotic, pleasant and perfect. Brides, do you have a clam bake rehearsal dinner on Friday night? Please wear a fun, summery white dress and these Tuesday Shoesday picks and I will love you forever (not that I don't already).

{charles david}

Oh I just LOVE the 4th of July. It really is summer at its finest. 

Speaking of the finest - check out the fabulous Tuesday Shoesday solemates for their finds today: Landlocked Bride, Gwyneth Paige, Swatchbook Weddings, Meant to Be Sent Postcards and Pretties, and Weddings & Pretty Things.

Perfect New England Party

This inspiration board from Snippet and Ink (they never fail when it comes to inspiration boards) had me CRAVING 4th of July weekend. This board is my ideal party/ life.

{via}

I love New England.

Ampersand Ring Shot

Ampersands and gingham and ring shots - oh my. How adorable are the DIY elements of this wedding on With This Ring today?

{via}

Happy Monday!

Happy Weekend!

Happy happy Friday. Well, let me just tell you that this week was all kinds of crazy in a great way.  I love those kind of weeks.  From veil shopping to trying on my dress again to tasting all the delicious food for our wedding to starting a new exciting job here (eeek!!).  If I've been MIA, that is why, but heaven knows my love for y'all hasn't been missing at all.

This weekend is all kinds of crazy in a great way too - from bridal showers to baby showers to cookouts and brunches.  Hey life - thanks for being so awesome. Speaking of awesome, did you see this fabulous bridal shower on Eat Drink Pretty? She threw it for her sister and deserves mad props for it. Check out all the details here:

{Photo credits: Martha Stewart and Cannelle et Vanille}

While we are giving mad props - Cyd at Sweetest Occassion must have read my mind (or post) because the very next day after I mentioned "Celebrate" drink stirrers - look what was on her blog:

{via Sweetest Occasion}

And of course, I save the best for last.  If you missed this fabulous gem on Style Me Pretty from one of my favorite people on the world wide web, Sofia from BrancoPrata - well you should make that your number one priority this fabulous Friday.  Not to mention, another world wide web favorite, the Knotty Bride, did the write up.

{BrancoPrata via Style Me Pretty}

See, this week was pretty darn awesome.  I can't even wait to see what the weekend has in store!

Miss y'all already!

xoxo, 

Abby

Tasting and Menu Cards

Mr. C and I have our tasting later this afternoon and let me tell you - he is pumped. I don't know if you know this about Mr. C, but he looooovves food.  Loves. He also eats more than anyone I know yet doesn't gain a pound, which can be a bit frustrating but I digress.  So while Mr. C is dreaming of fabulous five course dinners, my head goes immediately to the menu cards - obviously.

And then I came across these awesome and fun menu cards and had to share. How awesome are these?!  Icing on the cake - they are DIY.  

{these are DIY via Style Me Pretty}

Did you do menu cards? Any fabulously unique ideas out there? I am all ears....

Pretty, Pretty Pastels

Today I am dreaming of peaceful, cool pastels because it's not even 9am and I am sweating in a not-so-lovely way. Oh humidty.  I would like to be wherever this bed is because I guarantee it has an ocean view.  Even if it doesn't, I like to pretend and why ruin that fabulous image in my brain. And it just so happens to fall into my dream wedding color palette (in a way).

{via}

While we are at it - here are some additional calming pastel images to inspire your day. I also need to admit my love for drink stirrers.  I may or may not create my own drink stirrer today just because even if I am drinking alone.  It will make it say "Celebrate" because really, why not? (and it is the birthday of a few of my favorite people including one of my best friends and a cyber space bridesmaid so it makes it legit)...

I feel better just looking at those images. It's almost like my hair isn't a complete frizz fest and my shorts aren't sticking to my legs. 


Happy Wednesday!

Tuesday Shoesday

For this Tuesday Shoesday, I thought I would shake things up a bit with something near and dear to my heart - organization.  I am not joking when I say organizing people, homes, projects, events, mail, photos, yada, yada, yada makes me so incredibly happy.  Add shoes to that equation, and well, you hold me in the palm of your hand.

I love when people find fabulous ways to display their delicious works of art (aka shoes). I really need to find a way to do this in the Super Burbs. Of course, it would help if I actually invested in some shoes that cost more than $19.99 or weren't flip flops (shhhh don't tell).

{via}

Please  tell me you don't love the following about the photo below: 1. Perfectly symmetrical watering cans. 2. Cut out photo of a deer - no idea what that's about but it weirdly works.  3. Hunter boot heaven. I love that they have so many fabulous colors. 4. Vintage perfection, from the fish net to the shelf.

{via}

This photo below makes me want to find my card catalog and purchase it today. 

 

{via}

Loving this entryway - so fresh, light and airy.  Also loving those yellow flats...

{via}

Loving these shoe boxes and fabulous tags! Nice work shoe owner, nice work indeed.

 {via}

Shoes by color, in the living room, in a locker. Win.
 

 {via}

What do you think? How do you store your shoes? It's a life goal of mine to have shoes worthy of organizing so perfectly.  I can see myself as a 90 year old woman rocking Manolos for the first time and boy will I love every minute of that.

For fabulous shoes worthy of organizing check out Landlocked Bride, Gwyneth Paige, Swatchbook Weddings, Meant to Be Sent, and Weddings & Pretty Things.

 

Charming Cake Ideas

Happy Monday! Hope your weekend was fabulous:)

I have to admit something - with the big day less than 2 months away my brain is focused on all things August 14th.  The Super Burbs is full of wedding talk these days, so I feel it's only appropriate for the blog to be too.  Because that is what our life is like at the moment.  And really, it's kind of fun :)

Today I am focused on cake. Which really, is a fabulous way to occupy a Monday.

I am really loving a classic, sophisticated, yet simple cake. I absolutely LOVE the table cloth used to spruce up the cake on the upper right.  Simple, yet stunning. At least stunning to me - and that's what matters I suppose. Plus, she looks really happy with their table cloth choice, doesn't she?

Here are some more ways to spruce up a "simple" cake:

What do you guys think? Are y'all simple cake people? Or did/do you like the go big or go home type of cake? I'm all ears...and I would love any additional cake images you find - my fabulous cyber space bridesmaids :)

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all the fantastic fathers out there!! 

And to my Daddy-O - thanks for making life fun :)

Happy {late} Weekend!

{via}

Happy Saturday! Let me apologize for being completely gone yesterday - it was for good reason, PROMISE! I picked up my absolutely beautiful wedding invitations from the lovely Emily at Paper Moss. I was so excited I couldn't even focus on anything else. I can barely focus on anything now. I just keep staring at them. :) 

Hope you are having a lovely weekend! xoxo

Perfectly Pretty Party Dresses

If you know me at all, you know I love any excuse for a party dress.  Actually, I don't even need an excuse - I will wear one to pump gas.  True Story.  One thing about planning a wedding is, you need a few different party dresses up your sleeve for all the different events.  Note to brides-to-be: Plan and budget for this ahead of time, it sneaks up on you (aka it snuck up on me).

I am in the process of mapping out (via good ol' Microsoft Excel) my remaining outfits leading up to the wedding and honeymoon (bridal showers, lunches, etc.), and I thought you might be able to help let me by letting me know your favorites so I can add them to the spreadsheet.  Not to mention, it allows you to fill your Thursday with fun party dresses. If that isn't a win, I don't know what is.

{Images: Milly/Milly}

I am obsessed with fun necklines these days, which is why I love the two dresses above.  I am also apparently obsessed with paisley? I didn't realize that until I started pulling dresses and low and behold - apparently I am:

{Image: Milly/ Milly}

And let's not forget about Kate. I feel like she needs to be involved in the wedding in some shape or form...

{Images: Kate Spade/ Kate Spade}

Oh there are just so many more beautiful dresses out there and I could fill my imaginary dream closet all day, but alas I must go forth and conquer ... (Thank you Alyssa for stalking so many with me yesterday)...

Have any fabulous party dress finds? Send them my way pretty please.

Stylish Wedding Shoot by Dandelion & Grey and Olive Juice Photography

If you missed this fabulous shoot on Style Me Pretty yesterday, have no fear - that is what I am for. I was sitting on a train when this came through my iPhone, and I literally jumped for joy when I saw it. The man sitting next to me thought about moving seats immediately. Regardless - this is just such a fun, perfectly-styled, beautifully photographed wedding shoot.  But that's what we've all come to expect when Erin of Dandelion and Grey and Leila of Olive Juice Photography pair up...they are a dream team.

{Images by Olive Juice Photography via Style Me Pretty}

See the entire shoot in its glory here...

Tuesday Shoesday

Helllooo luuuvvverrr...These shoes have my heart leaping...

{Tory Burch}

For more heart leaping beauties, check out Landlocked Bride, Gwyneth Paige, Swatchbook Weddings, Meant to Be Sent, and Weddings & Pretty Things.

Happy Tuesday indeed!

Bridesmaid Pocket Schedule

{Our Labor of Love via Green Wedding Shoes}

What a genius idea (and adorable to boot!).  I am obsessed with itineraries and this would be SO helpful for the wedding party! I am just loving this southern wedding on Green Wedding Shoes right now! 

Happy Weekend!

 

{image}

I cannot believe the weekend is here! It's the best kind of surprise.  Fingers crossed Mr. C doesn't have to work all weekend so we can enjoy a pre-wedding honeymoon of sorts. I am anxious for a day of picnics and polo ponies in Newport if we can pull Mr. C away from the office. When you think of polo does your mind immediately go to this outfit?:

 {image}

Please tell me I'm not the only one. There is so much wrong with that movie, yet so much right. That outfit made such an impression on me when I secretly watched Pretty Woman way back when at a friend's house so my mother wouldn't find out. I was such a rebel. Anyway - sorry for the tangent, what are your plans? 

Because I love you - here are some of my loves from around the web this week:

- Efficient and stylish, my kind of coffee table
- This makes me want to have my cake and eat it too
- I just copied this in the Super Burbs
- I get hungry just looking at this
- Great centerpiece inspiration or even for your home   
- I am a sucker for these....hint, hint Mr. C

Have a fabulous weekend! I miss y'all already!

xoxo, 
Abby

The Bachelorette Recap:Seven Deadly Sins

Ok, are you ready? Because I guarantee you are not.  Get cozy because this was a fab weekend. I would like to re-live it every weekend if possible.

Unfortunately, the camera that documented the entire event was somehow lost or stolen on the last night - but thankfully we all took pictures here and there so I have a few to share with you (disclaimer: a picture may be worth a thousand words - but let me assure you, you need WAY more words to really understand how awesome this weekend was).

First, the A-Team is the most fabulous group of people ever. I may be biased - but they are just rock my world. I am not exactly sure how we magically fell together, but I am thankful everyday we did. Anyway, waaaaayyyy back in November each member of the A-Team was assigned a "Deadly Sin" by the fabulous bridesmaid in charge (see envy below) which they then embodied the entire weekend:

{From left to right: Gluttony, Wrath, Envy, Pride, Lust, Bride(Greed), Sloth}

The party started right when I arrived off the ferry (actually the party started with the glass of wine on the ferry because we almost missed the boat literally) and embarrassing pictures of my-not-so cute past started to follow me all over Nantucket. (Note to my mother: how did you let me rock those bangs for so long? DJ Tanner would have been proud)... We then headed over to Cisco Brewers  - a Nantucket brewery where they make their own beer, wine and spirits - aka, heaven. The A-Team knows me well. And the pictures continued to follow me all over the brewery - including on the shirt Katie created for us to wear:

{ Yep, that's me startin' young - I promise that is apple juice in that wine glass - right mother?! The shirt reads, "The more things change, the more they stay the same." True Story indeed. }

After growlers, chihuahuas and gluttony accusations (in the best possible way) we headed back to the homestead only to find our drinks for the weekend:

All sin related - precious. And the cocktail napkins? - well they were sin related too - we even had glasses with our sin etched on them!:

We settled in for the night with a fabulous dinner and lots of conversation, which is my absolute favorite.  I swear, stick me at a table with people that like to talk, and I will literally sit there all day. Particularly when they are as amazing as these group of ladies. The next morning, we headed to 'Sconset to grab coffees and make our annual trip to the future A-Team (dream) compound (note: sorry to the residents of the said property in which we stand and make believe we own your house...somewhat awkward) When we got back, we walked in the door to find that the house has been turned into a legit spa complete with a fabulous masseuse & mimosas, I was tricked once again - I had NO idea. The robes were even custom!: {Printable banner download can be found here} Then we headed to town to do some shopping (once again, heaven)...I picked up this lovely piece of nautical heaven: {Lilly} After some time in town, the ladies presented me with gifts based on their sin.  It was amazing, hilarious and touching all at the same time. We lost the camera with these photos - but it was such a fun way to present the gifts and everyone put so much thought into it. I may or may not have shed a few tears... Magically a fabulous dinner appeared after the gifts (thank you party fairies;), and then we got ready to put on our angelic white dresses so we can hit the Nantucket town possibly for my last time as a single lady at the Chicken Box. Long story short - it was the most thoughtful weekend I could have ever imagined. I don't know what I did to deserve these people in my life, but I am so grateful. A special shout out to Katie and her lovely party fairy parents for pulling this all together. You are such an amazing friend in so many ways...   Oh man, now I am awkwardly crying on a Thursday morning before 8am.

Pre-Wedding Honeymoon?

 {Image via Completely Coastal}

The other weekend while Mr. C and I were out and about enjoying the fact that Summer if finally here, someone decided to give us wedding advice.  Now, I know you are thinking - Seriously Abby? You think someone giving you wedding advice is blogworthy? Doesn't that happen everyday? But this was GOOD advice! And I must share.

This said advice giver bestowed this piece of wisdom: Take a pre-wedding honeymoon. Now, I know you are thinking - Seriously Abby? Like we don't have a million other expenses to worry about? We are lucky to go on a post honeymoon, if one at all! But this is where Mr. C and I decided to take our own spin on things.  We decided during the next few months of wedding crunch time we will try to find weekends where we can completely shade out as our pre-wedding honeymoons.  Shade out = just the two of us, no blackberrys, no iphone (eekk, this might be harder), and make believe we are on vacation.  I think we might try to do it this weekend if possible - maybe a date night or two, head to this weekend's Newport Polo match (surprisingly inexpensive), and soak up some sun.

What do you think? Anyone else think of trying out the pre-wedding honeymoon?

Tuesday Shoesday

Most of us don't have the luxury of Carrie Bradshaw's endless collection of Manolo's (or even one pair for that matter).  So I often find myself dreaming of my very first (imaginary) pair of MB's and what I want them to be.  Then I start having an internal debate - would I get a practical pair I could wear forever or would I get a show piece? Practical vs. spectacular. That is the question.

{Barney's}

What's your answer? Are you a practical or spectacular shoe person?

Want to see more spectacular shoes? Check out Landlocked Bride, Gwyneth Paige, Swatchbook Weddings, Meant to Be Sent, and Weddings & Pretty Things.

Vintage Postcard Place Cards

This past weekend was literally one of the best ever. I hope yours was fabulous as well.  The bachelorette party was beyond a complete success - I don't think I've ever been more touched or laughed harder in the span of three days.  I will do a full recap later in the week once I get my hands on all the photos because there are some fabulous inspiration ideas for all you out there that need to plan a bachelorette party in the future. It was absolutely magazine/blog worthy. Such amazing, amazing friends.  You will want to stay tuned for that post...

Until then, I thought I would feed your need for inspiration from the fabulous island where we celebrated. Nantucket always pulls at my vintage heart strings. When thinking of Nantucket - for some reason my mind always goes to the image of big dinner parties outside that have a casually elegant feel. You know, laid back but beautiful with a glamorous feeling of tradition.  These vintage postcard place cards would be perfect for such a sun-kissed summer affair or perhaps even a rehearsal dinner. The postcards could be from your hometown (or your guest's hometown), the place where you met, or the wedding location - just love, love, love the idea.

{via Frolic!}

Happy Monday!

Happy Weekend!

{via Country Living}

I'm on my way to the 'Tucket to hang out with some of the coolest people I know.  Anyone else Nantucket bound? ACK or not, before I head off (cheap champagne in hand) making a beeline for the Chicken Box (totally kidding - ok not really) here are some lovelies from around the web this week:

- I want to see a wedding where the bridesmaids wear this

- I need these for the home office, they remind me of the name plate at the principle's office

- Good ol' Nashville represented in this engagement session

- Every time I go to Nantucket I have a strong urge to buy this

- I want to move to Portugal or at least visit the talented folks behind this

- YUM

Have a fabulous weekend all! Miss y'all already!

xoxo, 

Abby

 

The Bachelorette Party

This weekend is my bachelorette party (side note: why does spell check not pick up that word? It makes me crazy every time). It's also Mr. C's bachelor party. The two parties will be very different. However there will be one thing in common - we have amazing friends.

My fabulous friends (affectionately called the A-Team) literally get me better than most people. They are my people - thick and thin, good times and bad, broken feet (the boot) and marathons, I know they will be there when I need them. One person in particular, my bridesmaid Katie, literally is me in so many ways (we talk alike, look alike, think alike, etc.), and I am honored by that fact. Because she is pretty darn amazing - want me to prove it? She themed my bachelorette party. Including wardrobe requirements. Yep. That amazing.

Plus, she knows my love for paper and had the lovely Kayla Hodgdon of Simple Design pull together these beauties for the event:

How adorable is that? Seven Friends, Seven Deadly sins? I can only imagine what she has up her little sleeve. I am so in love with this weekend already and it's only Thursday.

Of course I haven't thought about packing, and I need to make sure I have the perfect white dress. This is where you come in - I need your advice. What do you think of the below? I am loving the Lilly Little White Dress Collection...seems appropriate for Nantucket:

{Lilly}

Have you seen any fabulous white dresses I should keep my eye out for before the packing begins? Although, let's be honest - I'll panic last minute and probably just pull something from my closet but dreaming of white dresses all day is more fun than doing it that way.

What did you love about your bachelorette party? Any good stories? Any baaaddd stories? hehehe...