My Ireland Dream Wedding

Photo via Guru Wedding

Those of you that know me know that my vision of the perfect wedding changes almost daily. However, I've had this vision of the perfect destination wedding in Ireland for a long time, and I think I've finally settled on this idea as the one I eventually want to have! I am absolutely in love of the back drop of rolling green hills, rainy weather and plenty of pubs to keep the guests having a good time! Justin and I have a deep love for Ireland, and it only makes sense that we would have a destination wedding there. That said, here are some really great inspiration photos for my dream wedding.

Photo via Green Wedding Shoes

Love these photos of the couple in love under the rainbow. Super sweet engagement photo ideas!

Photo via Ian Grant Photography

This photographer does stunning work. From what I can tell, they do work both in the states and in Ireland. My favorite thing about this photo... it really captures exactly how green and beautiful the Irish countryside is. Don't you just want to move into one of those charming little houses?

Photos via Yes Bride

Since this would be a country wedding, what goes better than wild flowers and elegant pearls and lace? The wild flowers show off their natural environment, and the pearls and lace provide such a nice contrast that the end result is striking.

Photos via Green Wedding Shoes

I am crazy about this style gown. That open back? Hello! Gorgeous!

Photos via Style Me Pretty

This color palate is perfect for an irish country wedding. It's so warm and friendly! Plus I would never go with green... too cliche. Also, that floral printed dress is so pretty! It would be great for a mother of the bride (hope you like it mom!).

Photos via The Natural Wedding Company

Sheep are everywhere in Ireland. One of Justin and my favorite memories is of the house we stayed in our first night in Ireland. We actually had to count the sheep for the owners to make sure none of them had escaped!

Photos via The Knotty Bride

This cake is so elegant and pretty! It's got exactly what I would look for in a cake... imitation white lace and beautiful sugar flowers!

Photo via Green Wedding Shoes

Photo via Perfect Day Planner

I would love to have my guests stay with us in Ireland for the week leading up to the wedding. I would plan a whole bunch of fun events for everyone able to participate... including great picnics!

Photo via Green Wedding Shoes

My opinion on bridesmaids dresses is ever changing. First I thought all the girls should wear the same dress, then I thought the maid of honor should have something special or different about her dress, then I changed my mind and thought, well they should all wear whatever style they want as long as it's the same color. What do I think now? I think, every girl for herself! No one wants to show up at a party wearing the same dress as five other girls! Love this cute example above.

Photo via Coco Kelley

Dinner in a field? Only in Ireland would this seem so romantic!

Photos via Aislinn Events

The photos above are from some real weddings that took place in Dingle, Ireland. How amazing are the bright vibrant colors?

The photos below are some great inspiration boards I found. The rustic feel to them is exactly what I'm going for.

Photos via La Belle Vie Girl

Photos via Pretty Little Weddings

Photo via Bridal Buds

As for the ceremony, I would love to do a very intimate gathering, where everyone stands around the bride and groom. That makes such a supportive atmosphere! The candle light ceremony is a symbol of love, encouragement and blessings. What a beautiful thing to have at a wedding!

I found this incredible venue called Westcove Lettings. It has four different houses on the property, and it can hold up about 45 people. Check it out! It is the perfect setting for my dream wedding.

I hope you have enjoyed my Irish vision!

Designer Office Love

Photo via Sterling Style

So, this post is a little more about me than about my readers, but considering that I am a designer, I felt this topic would still be appropriate! Sometimes I can't help but sit back and day dream about the amazing office I hope to have some day. I'm at a bit of a crossroads in my life... about to graduate college and begin my real career. What does every career girl need? A career girl office of course! Here are some office designs I'm crazy about. Notice there is a lot of white on white with splashes of color everywhere. Love that! Notice that everything is really clean and organized. Love that even more! And best of all, most of them have pretty white macs as the focal points of the desks! Gotta love the Mac!

Photo via Love Chelsea Lauren

What event planner's office would be complete without floral arrangements and cool chandeliers?!

Photo via Focal Point

I'm all about the collage, baby. ALL about the collage!

Photo via Once Daily Chic

One day I would love to have a big studio, where clients could come in and be greeted with a cappuccino by the receptionist! We could show table designs, and sit in big comfy chairs and discuss coordination! My ultimate dream is to have an all in one studio, with all the vendors under one roof. Quite a dream, huh?

Photo via The Glass Factory

I am a student of Feng Shui. Tip of the day - never have your computer, or the back of your desk chair facing the door. It's bad chi for people to be able to see what you're working on, and in the back of your mind you will always be worried that other people will be watching what you're doing. The best way to put the desk is in a designated area where your computer faces a private wall. Also! Make sure there is plenty of room for your chair, and that it is able to pull out easily (preferably on a wood floor).

Photo via Real Simple

I'm crazy about the chalk board style in offices... as long as they are clean and kept up to date! Also, I've had my eye on this Pottery Barn desk for ages!

Photo via Apartment Therapy

Mmmm... Organized white craft cabinets. I'm in love!

Photo via Chronicle Books Blog

I thought this was such a clever idea, to use embroidery hoops as a kind of message board. Such a fun way to get organized!

Photo via Confessions of a Design Junkie

A desk (with a Mac), a sewing table, and a craft table all in one office?! Color me happy!

Photo via Making It My Style

As an event planner, it is important to have lots of space to work with clients. There's all those paper samples, color swatches, table linens, floral arrangements, etc etc etc, that all need to be spread out. This room with the black and white backdrop, the great big table, and the board of past client projects is the perfect meeting space!

Photo via Inspired by Giving

Big cushy pink chairs and beautiful drapes are a MUST!

I can't wait to have my own office space someday. I hope you enjoyed my dreams and visions for the future!

Signature cocktails, anyone?!

Photo by Emily Nathan via Martha Stewart Weddings

Signature cocktails are a fabulous way to serve alcohol at a wedding without breaking the bank. They are also a great way to add some fun to the decor of the event! Choose a cocktail that goes along with the theme, or color scheme of the wedding. Lots of people give them cute names too. If you do do that, make sure that somewhere the ingredients of the drink are already listed. But I say, go crazy! Have fun with the names, and also have fun with the types of drinks. You can choose anything from a fruity, summery cocktail, to a very classy champagne cocktail. Just keep in mind that your drinks should reflect the personality of the couple getting married instead of tailored to the people attending the wedding.

Marital Bliss

(as pictured above)

1 part vodka

1 part fresh squeezed lemonade

Photo by Texas Wedding Guide

Champagne Infusions

1 part champagne

Infusion of blackberry, mango, raspberry or lemon liqueur Corresponding fruit or berry to garnish

Photos by Flutter Glass Photography via Thoughtfully Simple

Blood Orange Champagne Punch

1 part blood orange juice

2 parts champagne

Photo by White on Rice

Love in the Bahamas

1 part light rum

1 part dark rum

2 parts pineapple juice

3 parts orange juice

1 part blue curacao

Orange wedge and cherry to garnish

Photo by Art by Kriea

So Sexy Sangria

1 bottle red wine

1 cup grand marnier

4 tablespoons superfine sugar

4 cups orange juice

12 oz fresh lime juice

Filled to bursting with fresh fruits such as:

grapes, lemon, orange, apples, berries, mango and even sometimes more savory add-ins like cinnamon sticks

Photo by studio 563

The Love bird

1 part light rum

1 part coconut rum

1/2 part grenadine

2 parts orange juice

2 parts pineapple juice

Orange wedge to garnish

Photo via Bridal Buzz

A Whole Lotta Love

1 part grenadine

1 part orange juice

1 part vodka

Blood orange slice to garnish

Great tools by The Knot

Most brides have heard of The Knot (unless you've been living under a rock somewhere). The Knot is a great resource for finding vendors, looking for inspiration photos, and even getting good wedding planning advice. Lately I've been exploring their site in detail because I've been curious about all of the tools they offer (plus! what could be more fun than exploring wedding planning sites?!) I am very impressed! They have everything from a to-do list tracker, to a very good budgeter, guest list and seating charts, and even dream board makers (mine is pictured above)!

I have to admit that I've gotten so excited about it that my man thinks I've gone a little crazy (considering that we're not planning on getting married until sometime late next year). But the thing is, it really is a great resource for Brides AND Grooms AND families AND attendants. They have everything anyone could possibly want to know. Plus it keeps such good track of all your information, that it's probably better than using a journal type planner. Certainly easier to keep track of!

I highly encourage anyone who's getting married or knows someone who's getting married, to take advantage of their resources!

Photo Credits:

Gown by Judd Waddell

Bridesmaids gown by Watters Maids

Engagement ring by Tacori

Tuxedo by Kleinfeld Men

Cake by Amanda Leopold

Bouquet by Artfool

Hairstyle by The Knot

Reception Centerpiece by Tantawan Bloom

Photo Shoot Preview

I happen to be the luckiest big sister in the world! A few weeks ago I decided to throw a tea party for my baby sister to teach her the ins and outs of good high tea manners. Then I decided, why not go all out and stylize the shoot? So we made a day out of it and Justin Medeiros did some gorgeous photos for us. This is just a brief preview of what's to come, but I can't wait to share the final result with you!

Naked Cakes!

Cake by Sugar

Ladies and gentlemen, there is a new trend in town! Dun da da daaa! NAKED CAKES! These unfrosted beauties have been showing up left and right. No need for large amounts of inedible fondant when you can have a naked cake with its smart, simple design appeal and perfect cake to frosting ratio.

Stardust Pastry

Photos by SMS Photography

Even the fabulous Hilary Duff is jumping on the naked cake band wagon, with her cake from her wedding last summer.

OK Magazine

This one is not exactly a naked cake, but I love the ingenuity of turning doughnuts into a wedding cake! Such a fun idea. Not a huge fan of cake toppers though...

Krispy Kreme

Photo by Karen Lisa Artistic Photography

Again, this one isn't really naked per say, but it does have that clean look to it, and instead of frosting, it's covered in pistachios! How delicious!

My Sweet Saucy

Photos by Ryan Haack

While we're on the subject of fantastic cakes, I have to give a shout out to Sarah Magid Organic Cakes. These are just some absolutely gorgeous cakes and I'm in love with Miss Magid's cake creativity!

Sarah Magid Organic Cakes

Oscar De La Renta Spring Collection

I am IN LOVE with this year's Oscar De La Renta spring collection. What an amazing body of work! Any woman would be lucky to wear one of these gowns. They're a beautiful mixture of past meets present all wrapped up into a style that only Oscar could manage.