Lake Michigan Engagement Pictures Part 1




A few weeks ago we headed out to Holland, Michigan right on the lake to take our MI engagement pictures. If you think we already took engagement pictures, you'd be right ;) You can find them here! Since those were taken in California, we also wanted to take some in Michigan at one of McCann's favorite places. My BFF Ashley treated us to these gorgeous images as a gift and I'm just so thankful. My heart is overflowing with love when I look at these. I'll show you part two next week!











Dress: Rent the Runway  / Photos: Ashley Slater Photography 

I can't wait to get these printed and frame a few after our wedding. I'll be creating a really pretty wedding gallery wall. I can't wait to get started and show you!

xoxo

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Wedding Bliss: Our Wedding Website


Having a wedding website has been so great throughout our engagement! Not only is it helpful to have all of our wedding information in one place for our guests, but it was also really fun to make (and easy as pie, too!) We used Minted Wedding Websites, since our invitations also came from Minted, and I have been SO happy with it. It has a spot for everything-- your proposal story, wedding events, travel information (like hotels and favorite places to go in the town your wedding is in!), a page to share pictures and a blurb about your bridal party, all your gift registry info, and even a place for guests to RSVP. Best part? That is all free! If you want to upgrade to a custom URL, password protected site and a photo gallery option, it's only $35, which I found to be really great. You can choose from all sorts of site templates that match different invitations Minted offers, too! I'll give you a tour of our website:

Home Page:
We choose this one photo layout, but each design has 3 layouts you can choose from! (All of which are mobile friendly, which is great for this tech-savvy world we live in.)




Also on the home page, if you scroll down a little, you see our proposal story.


Photo gallery page includes our proposal and engagement photos: 


Wedding party page:

RSVP page:

This has been a huge stress reliever for me! A few people warned me not to do e-RSVP's beforehand because they weren't traditional and older people won't be able to figure it out (looking at you, mom! ;)) but honestly, this is something I've been so happy with. Thankfully, everyone has been able to figure out! But the best part is, it's SO easy to keep track of everyone who is coming. Once someone RSVP's, Minted files it into a section of your wedding website where you can view the YES and NO replies. If you want, you can even download an excel spreadsheet with the RSVPs. And bonus! No RSVPs get lost in the mail (or forgotten to be input in my own spreadsheet). While this may not be traditional, this has saved me so much time and stress. 

Tip: I included instructions on how to RSVP online on our details & directions insert, sent with the invitation. This was probably very helpful for those who don't have innate instincts on the computer!



Registry Page:



The other page we included was the Events page, with the date, time, address and everything they needed to know about our ceremony/reception. (Not posting that here because we don't need no wedding crashers...ha!) We gave them written directions to the venue, but Minted also includes a map built in to the site.

Did you use a wedding website? How do you feel about online RSVP's?

xoxo

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Saturday Finds: Summer & Tropical Sale Finds


Happy weekend! This week we're doing Saturday Finds and it's about the last stint of summer + tropical vacations. With my honeymoon coming up, I've been thinking about our Maui trip a lot recently, along with what to bring! Since Anthropologie's sale is on SALE (25% off!) and they recently put tons of summer dresses on sale, I did some shopping. Here are my favorite finds:




Discount is reflected at checkout!

I've also been looking for a new pair of beach pants. I like to wear these on the plane and even around the hotel. Macy's has really cute ones right now in the junior department (heck, I'm still buying them, just be sure you check the size chart!)






Here's a few other things that caught my eye. Oh, and that swim suit is one of a few I'm bringing with me on the trip!





Now for what I got at Anthro (with tons of gift cards, thanks to my recent bridal shower!)

This t-shirt! Easy to wear with jean shorts or a skirt.

I also ordered this adorable dress:



Finally, I bought this tank to hike / zip line in when we're in Maui!


That's a wrap! Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo

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My New Kitchen Barstools


One of the (many) reasons I was excited about our new apartment was because it meant we would have a counter to put some cute bar stools at! We can eat breakfast here together also. Ah! So grown up ;) If you want to see what the apartment looked like before I got moved in, check out this post!

As you might know, my style is farmhouse chic, with touches of industrial pieces and some glam (aka gold). I might need to make it more masculine once we get married and my fiance moves in ;) Keeping my style in mind and the fact that we have a ton of weathered wood pieces, we chose these beautiful counter stools from Lamps Plus, formerly 55 Downing Street. Our dining chairs pair so well with them, they are comfortable with a padded seat, and they're petite enough so they don't take up too much visual space. I also loved that they had some nailhead trim; it just makes them look more special and finished! Take a look...





Aren't they a perfect fit?! One thing I want to note for people who are picking out stools: there is a difference between Counter and Bar stools. Counter stools are shorter in height (counter = the height of your kitchen counters) and bar stools are taller (bar = raised higher than your kitchen counters). I often get asked how much space there should be in between your counter top and the seat of your stool. I suggest about 10" less than your counter height. That tends to give enough leg room, without putting you at an awkward level to eat at the counter or bar. Hope that helps!

Happy middle of the week!
xoxo

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Wedding Bliss: Decorating with Linens

When it comes to special events and weddings, I like to say it's all in the details! Not only do people notice big things at events (like, the fact that you got married and what a joyous celebration it was!) but they also tend to notice little things, too. Like favors, thoughtful signage, seating areas and linens. Oh, linens! I love them so much (this probably has to do with being an interior designer!), but truly, they make a huge difference at an event. I'm here today to tell you that you won't regret splurging on linens for your big day.
I love working with Mrs. Freund & Co. for linens for our Bloom Workshops AND I'm even using some of her gorgeous pieces for our wedding in September! Here are all my favorite ways to use them:

1. Runners. This is a great, more affordable option, for your big day. If you need to use standard white linens to save money, throw on a beautiful sequin or textured linen on top of it to add some texture. If you're using the beautiful farm tables, a gauzy runner like this one will make the table look more elegant.

2. Dinner table. There's nothing prettier than walking into a reception full of beautifully set tables! When the tables have gorgeous, textured linens on them-- even better!

3. Gift tables. Dress up your gift table, guest book table, or drink table with a specialty linen. This doesn't have to match your dining linens, but instead, do something a bit more special that will stand out! Sequins, pattern...we love it all.


4. Sweet heart tables. For the couples who want to sit together, just the two of them, at their wedding, a sweet heart table is a great option! It's also somewhere you splurge on beautiful, unique linens for your table and even chairs! We love these romantic chair drapes for added elegance.

5. Cake tables. The cake is often one of the guest's favorite part of the wedding reception. If it's beautiful AND delicious?! Bonus! Dressing up the cake table in a fun or beautiful linen makes it feel extra special, provides your photographer with a great photo opp and gets guests even more excited to indulge. 

Emily Jane Photography / Ashley Slater Photography


6. Workshops or events. Our goal at Bloom is to make our guests feel loved, encouraged, and equipped. We hope that through the beauty we create at the workshop, our attendees want to create their own beauty in their businesses. One of the ways we do this is by using pretty, simple and sleek linens to cover our workshop table. It's automatically a serene place to rest your eye when all of the linens are cohesive. At our mini workshops, we always cover our Flower Bar in the prettiest pieces from Mrs. Freund! One of our favorites was this gray velvet.

How are we using linens? Our reception dining tables will be covered, pre-ceremony drink table, guest book table, cake table, and small round tables at the reception will all be fancied up. I can't wait to see it come together!

Okay, are you convinced?! How do you use special linens to dress up your events and weddings? Check out Mrs. Freund & Co. on Etsy and her website for your next occasion. You can rent or purchase! We just adore working with Sara. 
PSSST! You can enter to win one of Mrs. Freund's linens on Bloom's instagram today!
Happy Monday!
xoxo

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Friday Finds: Magnolia Home

via


DETAILScrate / window frame wall art / towel rack / metal sconce / lift top end table / scallop mirror / wood tray / metal stool


This week's Friday Finds are all things Magnolia Home. You know my love for Fixer Upper and Magnolia Market (and I'm sure you share in it!) so I rounded up my favorite pieces from their Home collection. I love the simplicity of the pieces. My favorite piece is hands-down that arched window wall art. It would go perfectly in my apartment right now.  It's the perfect accessory for above the mantel, in an entry way over your console table, or above your bed. All of the pieces in the collection look unique, which is something I think everyone craves for their home! Do you have anything from Magnolia Home?

Have the best weekend!
xoxo

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Bloom Bash San Clemente

jennifer blair photography

Most of you probably know I'm the co-founder of The Bloom Workshop. We have ONE workshop left for the year! Early Bird tickets are OPEN for Bloom Bash San Clemente in Southern California. For the first 5 people who use the code WHOA15, you'll receive an additional 15% off your ticket!

Want to know a little about what to expect at Bloom Bash? Here's our schedule:
Day One:
9:15am-5pm
Strolling Breakfast & surprise gift
Welcome & Introductions
Session A: Blogging & Branding
Lunch
Session B: Calligraphy with Molly Jacques
Session C: Photography with Ashley Slater Photography
Session D: Design & Styling with Michaela Noelle Designs
Q&A Panel on Social Media & Blogging

Day Two:

9:15am-5pm
Strolling Breakfast
Session E: Floral Arranging with Amy Osaba
Lunch
Session F: Social Media
Breakout sessions (choose one):
1. Photography & Client Experience with Ashley Slater & Christine Doneé
2. Elements & Principles of Design, Client Experience & Sourcing with Michaela Warner & Courtney Fernan
Session G: Editorial Styled Shoot (with BHLDN, Susie Saltzman, Amy Osaba, Molly Jacques & Found Rentals)
Q&A Panel & Dessert
Farewell



You might be wondering what your ticket to Bloom Bash includes! Let us fill you in:
  • Two full days of education and learning. Time-tested strategies from industry leaders, practices you can put into action in your business and blog now, and hands-on training. Bonus pre-workshop networking mixer included.
  • Day One Sessions include: Blogging, Branding, Photography, Styling & Design.
  • Day Two Hands-on includes: Floral arranging class, calligraphy class, social media, and your choice of two breakout sessions (Photography & The Client Experience OR Styling & Standard Principles of Design). Attendees will take home their floral arrangement and vessel as well as their full calligraphy kit including pen, nib, ink and instructional materials.
  • A fully styled wedding photo shoot at the end of day two including tablescapes, florals, bride, groom and a styling station. Refine and develop your photography and styling skills in a relaxed environment, where no one will compete to "get the shot". This is hands-on and attendees will be actively shooting and styling. Photos may be used for personal portfolios. We will also be sharing how to dream up and execute styled shoots of your own, as we find these crucial to finding your ideal client.
  • Daily insight from a panel of hand-selected experts. We use this time at the end of each day to open the floor to questions of all kinds-- nothing is off limits. Our speakers and panelists all have a passion for sharing their knowledge on their craft. You'll find this time very comfortable, casual, and informative as we are open to discussing things as serious as contracts, to as personal as how to balance work and home life. 
  • Networking opportunities. Bloom takes pride in featuring speakers and guests who love to share their hearts and success. You will love the warm environment that sets the stage for developing new lasting friendships, mentors, business partnerships, and collaborations.
  • Catered breakfast and lunches on both days of the workshop. Dessert is our favorite, so you can expect that as well!
  • Professional headshots of yourself or your team. Ashley Slater Photography and Christine Doneé Photography will be providing an opportunity for you to have your photos taken for your website, social media or blog.  
  • A sweet bag of swag and other thoughtful gifts, sprinkled throughout the two-day workshop.
  • Support after the workshop comes to an end. We love to continue working with you even after the workshop is over. Our Facebook group provides a space for attendees to bounce ideas off one another and share success! 


This two day event won't only provide fun networking and inspiration opportunities, but more importantly it will provide you with time tested strategies and things you can do right NOW to impact your business. With sessions on blogging, social media, branding, photography, design and styling you will leave with a detailed grasp on why and how each of these areas impact your business and how to execute best practices to see your business or blog thrive. It makes us so proud to see that every attendee who has been to Bloom has seen growth and practically taken the next step in their business. Bloom Bash features a full day of lectures and learning and a full day of hands-on work including floral arranging, calligraphy, styling and photographing a fully set-up wedding photoshoot. On top of all the learning and hands on fun, you will also be provided with two days of meals, thoughtful gifts and swag, and the opportunity to meet and learn from industry professionals and the women who are the best in their field. We can't wait to meet you, inspire and grow together at Bloom Bash! 

I hope I get to meet you in October! You can get details and sign up HERE.

xoxo
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Friday Finds: Home Decor


Happy Friday! Thanks for all your comments on yesterday's post and Instagram about our Honeymoon in Maui! Keep the suggestions coming :)

Today's Friday Finds are all about the home. I rounded up a bunch of my favorite decor for your house below!






TGIF!
xoxo


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