Shade of the Week

Since it's been some time now, I decided to allow my inner nail technician to take over and get a little crazy with some new colors. I say crazy, but all I mean is jumping into a fad I never thought I'd be part of. I've never tried to get into too many fads, given sometimes they are just that and the world will soon be moving on to something new. Remember the feather extensions?

Are people still wearing these? I'm not a fashion expert, so I can't really say if it's here or gone. All I know is that I don't see it too often anymore. Which is my point. A fad.

So where am I going with this. I'm leading into the nail polish fad that's exploded in the fashion industry. Although, nail art isn't really something new. I remember some pretty tacky designs back when I was in high school. However, the nail fad these past couple years have been to polish all nails one color while painting one or two others a different shade. And NOW, it seems to be all about the design of said different-shaded-finger. They are so creative, you never know what people will think of next.

So again, getting to the point. I have decided to dip into this newish nail fad, and see what it's all about. I have always had a creative bone in me, but it's not something that just comes out naturally. I have to be inspired. Well folks, yesterday I was inspired. By who you may ask? My best friend, Jess. Ha! Not that that's funny, but to no surprise we were thinking about doing this new nail trend at the same time. It just took  a short conversation of "I think I might do this..." "oh yea, I was thinking of doing it too!". And that was it.

So here we are.

The products I used for my nail fad trial experience, was none other than my good ol friend, Sally Hansen. 

For my ringer finger (right), I used Complete Salon Manicure Earl Gray 320 and the design was made with Hard As Nails Xtreme Wear White On 300. 

For all other nails (left), I used Complete Salon Manicure Commander In Chic 290.

Being that I'm right handed, I was easily able to polish my left hand with no hassle. So I decided to paint one hand, and share it with you! But please, bare with me. Have you ever taken a hand picture before? Unless you're obsessively marveled at your own hand, I doubt you have. It's awkward. Do I hold the nail polish bottle? Do I just lay them flat on the table? Bad angle/good angle. This is the best I could do.

Amateur, I know. But hey it was fun.

Now go link up with one of my newest faves.

Fall Wedding ::look book::

Another momentous occasion deserving of a look book. This past weekend, a good friend of ours got married, thus resulting in an overload of pictures! The details were exquisite and the guest list consisted of yet another High School reunion. I've known Jamie for over 20 years, since we first went to grade school together. She and I were also teammates for our high school volleyball team at Providence High. I was so happy to bear witness to this special occasion; beginning her new life with her new husband, Sam.

The wedding was held at one of our local, and historical hotels downtown, The Seelbach. It's quite a popular venue for gatherings of any sort, but I'd say a large variety of those are weddings. Upstairs the ceremony was held in their old Grand Ballroom. Recently renovated, it was stunning and seemed to be the perfect location for an intimate wedding.


First entering the room, you are completely overwhelmed by the FLOWERS. I guess I should also mention the bride's family is the owner of one our local, and very popular florists, Nance Floral Shoppe. Therefore, the flower details were certainly at a high expectancy, but I was still completely blown away. The aisles consisted of large vase arrangements, along side candles.

As you can see, it was beautiful. Given our seats I wasn't able to get the full view of the front, but it was certainly something to see as you can imagine.

We were told the candles caught the eye of more than just the guests seated next to them. Apparently, the ring bearer (groom's son) was so mesmerized, he asked if he could blow them out on his way down the aisle. Kids! Hilarious.

Well, the ceremony was as expected - a tear jerker! The groom immediately teared up when he saw Jamie coming down the aisle. I thought I was going to lose it right then and there. Luckily I was able to get through it with just a couple watery eyes; although these pregnancy hormones could have suggested otherwise. After the ceremony we made our way down to the Seelbach's lower level venue, the Rathskeller. This is where the reception was held. Again... breathtaking.

A beautiful arrangement of center pieces, votive candles, and each place setting accompanied by a purple rose. Gorgeous. And as always, the hatred part of blogging, I tried capturing every detailed shot I could. The lighting was as it should be, dim and romantic, but it is the absolute enemy for photographs. I was able to lighten the exposure, but it still doesn't do justice to the ambiance of this occasion.

After dinner and the dance formalities, so began the mingling. It's great seeing old friends and classmates, catching up on life's recent events (engagements, pregnancies, etc.). I just love it! The bride actually had three out of her five bridesmaids who were pregnant. Isn't that something?

One of them being another good friend, and fellow volleyball player, Juli (on the right). This spunky lady is truly one of the most sweetest gals I've been blessed to know. Sadly, she lives clear across the country in California, so it's great to see that face when possible!! I'm so happy for her and her husband on their soon-to-be baby boy. It was so exciting to find out she was having a boy, also. Yay for baby boys!!!! Not to mention, she's only about 5 weeks behind me, due in February.

Here with our bestie, Erika, we attempted to get a side by side shot of our baby bumps. There's mine... can you see her little bump? No? Neither could I. And yes I gave her a lot of crap about it, too. She's just tiny and it's her first baby - at least that's what I keep telling myself. Ha! She was simply glowing. This pregnancy is going to be good to her, I can tell. :) Congrats again, Juli and Brad!!!!

After further mingling, we managed to snap some more photos of everyone together - the best we could. We were hoping to get one of our classmates, but with the dance floor a blaze and drinks flowing, it was pretty difficult to keep everyone in one place for too long. Nonetheless, we got what we could. Along with a few silly photos of me and Erika, just being ourselves.

And I can't forget my handsome date. He was such a trooper that night; escorting me to and from the bathroom every hour. Although he does it with no hesitancy, I know it gets redundant. Ha! He's so good to me, and I'm grateful. LOVE YOU, CHRIS.

I just love LOVE, and true love stories at that. The story of how Jamie and her new husband, Sam, met reminds me of a classic movie. Although God's plan is never written out for us to know ahead of time, making these fate drawn relationships spectacular in ways we can't explain. I'm so happy for Jamie and Sam. I wish them the absolute best on this new journey together!! Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day! Sending you lots and lots love!!! Xoxo

A Vintage Wedding

No crazy shenanigans were encountered this weekend, but it was a special one! My dearest friend, Lindsay, and her fiance unified their love to one another surrounded by family and friends. The rains held off, and the weather was perfect. I was completely overwhelmed by the beauty and grace God shed on this day for the two of them. It was absolutely flawless.

I truly love weddings. I can never get enough of the gooshy, romantic atmosphere that surrounds the day. I'm a serious hopeless romantic; my weakness. Also, the wedding could not have taken place at a more romantic venue; Huber's Lake House. During this fall season, it's great to take advantage of the beautiful outdoor scenery. Simply breathtaking.

Now onto one of my favorite parts of weddings... THE DETAILS. As appropriately titled, Lindsay's decorative inspiration was certainly that of a vintage style. Everything from her dress, to the table decor and especially the cake.

 Unfortunately, I was not able to capture the delicious meal OR my slice of cake, because being that I'm quick to indulge, there was but a second in between placing the plate on the table and shoving the food into my mouth. It was a pleasant sight, I assure you. But the food was indeed delicious.

Towards the end of the night, everyone gathered in a line and awaited the extravagant sparkler exit for the bride and groom; one of my favorite reception exit details. Fortunately, the consumption of adult beverages and use of fire did not cause injuries to anyone. Success.

In closing, I want to say congratulations again to the newlywed couple. Lindsay and Byron, I hope you find unlimited years of happiness together. There's always ups and downs, but with true love and faith you will have the ability to conquer all the obstacles. Have patience with one another; every year is a growing stage together. And more than anything, have fun!! Now that you have your mate-in-life, ENJOY IT and never take the days for granted. :) Best wishes to you both!!!!!!!!

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Showering Love

With wedding season still in effect, we are approaching another special occasion of my dear friend, Lindsay, and her soon-to-be husband, Byron.

I stole this from her album... sorry Lindsay, Ha!

This past weekend I was happy to be a part of one (of three) of her bridal showers; gathering with close girlfriends of the bride. Celebrations are so much fun! Especially, when you're surrounded by a great group of people. And these girls never cease to entertain.

On my way to these types of occasions, I always find myself anticipating the food, and decorations. It's just as exciting as the event itself! ;) Well, let me just say the details were just lovely!! Seriously, too adorable. Best believe I snagged a few shots to share. 

 And call me slow to catch up, but I was just fascinated with these chalk labels! Again, I love details and my eye catches just about every little thing. Doing a little research, I discovered the multiple options of these cute little gadgets. You can get them in all different shapes and sizes. 

Here were a couple other cute details of the party. On each table, there was a framed photo of the couple and a mason jar with hydrangeas and gerbera daisies. Beautiful!! :) 

I'm so happy for Lindsay! She's been a dear friend of mine for about 8 years. Since I've known her, she's always had such a big heart, and love for those around her. I'm looking forward to celebrating her marriage here in just two shorts weeks!!! :) Love this girl!!

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