wedding wednesday: music songs

This week we have music on the brain- in a good way and a bad way. We had a little mix up with the DJ so we are now in search of someone amazing and obviously at the last minute. If any of you know of a really cool LA/Ventura based DJ let me know and I'll be eternally grateful!

On a fun note, could you guys comment with your absolute favorite wedding songs? I haven't been to a wedding since I was 12 so my knowledge is a little lacking. I'd love to hear your favorites, and even your least favorites! {Do you guys hate the Macarena as much as I do??}

xox

photo

look book: pop, lock, and block it

There's been all this amazing color blocking going on right now and I had to try it. Since I'm on a shopping ban due to the wedding and honeymoon I had to work with what was in my closet. I knew I liked pink and fuchsia colors but I didn't realize how much! I probably could do 5 different color blocking outfits in this palate!

blouse Banana Republic, skirt Blaque Label via HauteLook, purse thrifted, shoes Enzo Angiolini via Nordie's Rack, silver cuff from Matthew, necklace J. Crew, lipstick Victoria's Secret Be Mine 

Today is my first day not working and I don't know what to do with myself! There are tons of things to be done for the wedding but it's weird to not have to balance it in with work. My schedule is so wide open, I just have to use it wisely!

Have a great day everyone!

xox

easter sunday

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter Weekend! Mine was filled with family time, yummy food and a silly puppy! I woke up to the smell of my mom'a Portuguese sweet bread. It's a recipe from my Grandma and it's always a special Easter tradition. She also baked this delicious almond pastry! Matthew and I decided to give Ginger a bath because she was starting to smell very doggie! I filled myself up with so much delicious food and candy, and Matthew passed out around 7:30 because of a sugar coma. haha! It hit my mom and me a couple hours later, but only after we caught up with the last two episodes of Vampire Diaries {I have to say that show is getting better and better..Do any of you watch it?}.

Last week my little resolution was to start meditating. It was definitely a little hard to incorporate into my schedule, just because I've been so busy, but when I carved out the time it helped me so much. Those minutes alone really help me really focus during the rest of my day. I've noticed that my stress levels have been pretty good..no wedding meltdowns yet! I'm trying to take it one day at a time and meditating has helped keep me calm.

For this next week I'm going to clean my computer, specifically my email. I desperately need to start unsubscribing to some email newsletters. The thought of coming back from Italy with a massive inbox is enough to make me want to temporarily delete my account. I'm going to go through and see which emails I really want to receive and which ones I always just delete before reading. I started this the other day and but then I kept second guessing my "delete" list. Also I might be little behind on backing up my files. Computer, get ready for some spring cleaning!

xox

LA Flower Mart

On Wednesday my friend Eden and I went to the flower mart to look at some pretty flowers and get some inspiration for the reception decor. I'll admit it's a little scary going downtown sometimes- the streets are dirty, people yell, and you can walk by some gross stuff- but once you walk into this pretty building with hundreds of thousands of beautiful flowers staring up at you, you can't help but smile. I took along Matthew's camera and a manual focus lens that was hard for me to work {see photos below} but I had to share. Hopefully these pretty flowers will make you smile on this gorgeous Friday! 

Have a wonderful weekend friends! 

{2 weeks from today I'm getting married woo hoo!}

xox

look book: lady dot

Sometimes wearing a fur coat can make me feel infinitely more stylish and lady-like, even if it is fake. I guess I'm still in a tea party mood because I just can't get enough of these lady-like details. I decided to let the man do the "work," though, i.e. the editing and narrowing down of photo choices. It's nice to switch things up a little bit and I think Matthew did a great job {as well as making my night a little easier and shorter!}.

faux fur jacket Urban Outfitters, polka dot blouse, necklace, bracelet and shoes Forever 21, skirt Zara, belt J. Crew

What do you guys think about skirts/dresses this length? Do you like them/hate them? Do they remind you of Grandma? I definitely have a little crush on them and I'm excited to wear sandals with them this summer. Hopefully I won't look too frumpy, though! 

Have a great Thursday everyone!

xox

wedding wednesday: a tea party bridal shower

Last week Lizzie gave you a little intro to the bridal shower she so sweetly planned for me. It seriously was such a beautiful day, as you can see from the photos, and the time and effort these girls put into planning it still blows my mind. From homemade sandwiches, cupcakes, freshly brewed tea, hand sewn fabric napkins and fun games, every detail was well thought out.  I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends! {and boy will the pressure will on big time when it comes to planning their special days!} As Lizzie said, when we were little we had these adorable tea parties with our American Girl dolls. There were cucumber sandwiches, hot coco, episodes of I Love Lucy, and our favorite lemon cookies. We also looked and played the part in floral Easter Sunday dresses and straw hats. Because of our tea party history, this was the perfect theme for the shower! 

One of the games we played was that we couldn't say, "Matthew," "bride," or "wedding." It was extremely hard for me and of course I lost in the first half hour. It was a happy and emotional day and I was so lucky to have had my close friends and family celebrating with me. I know I'm going to be even more emotional on the big day, but I'm going to try to hold it together! Can you believe there are only 2 more Wednesdays left before the wedding?? Countdown mode is on!

xox

the beautiful photos were taken by my sweet friend Kimberly Desjardins

look book: deco'd out

This weekend was fun, busy and included a whole lot of driving! Matthew's mom and sisters threw me a little bridal shower on Sunday and it was so much fun. I loved seeing them and Matthew's sweet little nieces. I'm getting so excited to marry into this wonderful family of his!

dress c/o Shop Ruche, jacket thrifted, necklace Chico's {don't laugh}, shoes Michael Kors, socks J. Crew, bracelet gift from my brother, sunglasses 80s Purple  

Love this fun dress from Shop Ruche! The print it so interesting and unlike anything I have. I wanted to add to the laid back vibe {hello adorable pockets!} with a stone necklace and these awesome cat eye sunnies!  I think this dress would have been perfect for Coachella..sigh still hoping I can go one year. Did any of you music lovers fall in love with a new band this weekend?

xox