Wedding Wednesday: Just Beachy

For various reasons, which I shall reveal at a later date, I have been perusing beach wedding inspiration. Though a beach wedding was never my choice, I can totally see why those who choose to have a beach wedding want it. It's so relaxed and chill. And I *am* a sucker for all things nautical. Here are some of my favorite finds and a bit of beach wedding inspiration for y'all!

(All photos via pinterest; Cake via here; Bouquet via here; Boutonniere via here; Shell hanging via here; Seashell cookies via here; Message in a Bottle Escort Cards via here; Short wedding dress via here;

Why Don't We Just Dance

The countdown to Christmas is on, people. And the weeks are flying by! This also means that before I know it, The Half-breed Swede will be here! And for the first time ever, I'm meeting her man! Exciting stuff...but also stressful since both Christmas and her visit will be here extraordinarily soon. This gal's gotta lot to do before the holidays! It's time to get my ass into gear.

This week, I'm obsessed with this bride's fashion. When you see the pictures, you'll be jealous of her effortless style. But when I tell you that both outfits were incredibly cheap (1st outfit was a J. Crew maxi skirt and a blouse from TJ Maxx!!), your head will explode. Cynthia and Jamaal married at the gorgeous Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture and their lovely affair was captured by Elisabeth Millay. Besides the fabulous bridal fashion and the beautiful setting, don't these two just look damn happy??

Don't you love her wedding ensemble? And that rockin' mini is to die for, too! Whenever I see weddings like this, I always wonder why so many of us get trapped into standard white gowns!

Soooo...this weekend we are getting our Christmas asses into gear. I'm putting together my list for A.P. and we're decorating the place for the holidays. We're also going to start cleaning up for The Half-breed Swede. Also, I'm going to end up doing a bunch of work since the intern I've had for the past three months is leaving me after tomorrow. She was doing half of my job (and I'm still overworked!!). I want to cry. But instead, I'm trying to get ahead so I'm not so crazy busy. Other than that, I plan on staying in and cozying up next to our "fire" (aka space heater) and relaxing. What are you up to?? Whatever it is, my dears, I wish it to be wonderful!

In the mean time, here are your dance moves for the week:

Ever heard of sea icicles?? Me neither, but they're fascinating to watch.

Inside out carrot cake muffins

How future generations will remember us

Holiday Inspiration

DIY Wrap Bracelet

Vintage Dior

Two favorite gift guides: One old, one new

Eggnog Pie

Here's a fun fact about me: I only take baths, not showers. So imagine how my head exploded when I saw these!

(Friday dance photo via here; Cynthia and Jamaal's wedding photographed by Elisabeth Millay via Style Me Pretty)

I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor

photo by me!

It's late again...I know. A.P. had a half day yesterday and we spent the afternoon at a big book fair downtown stocking up on used lovelies, and then we grabbed something to eat, came home chillaxed, and then made dinner and watched Two Lovers, which I loved and he did not. Needless to say that there was no time in that quality time for blogging. Nevertheless...here it is, your Friday dance...Saturday...again.

So, I'm not going to lie: This week's dance is a little, shall we say light? You can tell because the pictures are bigger and two of them are of the same post! I perused so many sites this week, but call me picky, I couldn't find that much I was loving. Perhaps I'm too stressed to fully appreciate what was out there? I don't know. A.P. asked me the other day what happens to this blog after we get married. Well, if things stay like this, I'm thinking there won't be any problem. Haha. Just kidding. I still got love for my bridal blogs!

There were some posts that were awww-worthy. For instance this monochromatic beauty of a wedding over at Brooklyn Bride. First off, how cool is it that they asked everyone to wear white? I'm seriously thinking about stealing that idea! Why? Because that means all their photos looked like this:

photo via Brooklyn Bride

How aesthetically pleasing, no? They also had the nicest escort/place cards.

photo via Brooklyn Bride

This got me thinking because, as you may remember, up until now, I've been in love with these place cards, via Papier Valise's blog, Scissor Variations:

photo via Scissor Variations

The thing is, I use those same plant markers that this Brooklyn Bride wedding used! I buy them at Target every year in the cheap bins at the front of the store. They cost $1 for a set of six. This year when I went and bought more, I was thinking that they might make good nameplates. Then I decided I liked the ones from Scissor Variations more. After seeing those copper plant markers in use, though, I'm seriously changing my mind. Only time will tell, but for now, there's some serious competition. Perhaps A.P. will be the deciding vote?

Another great reception idea? Dessert buffet. No, I know, you're like, "Marty, you're losing your touch! That idea is soooo two years ago!" You're right. It is sooo two years ago...if you serve your desserts on coordinating cake plates or in various sized apothecary jars. I'm talking about dessert buffets with your pastry lovelies served out of interesting repurposed antiques. Here, look:

photo via Oh Joy!

I got this idea from a post I saw over at Oh Joy! It featured some lovely photos from a bakery and the lightbulb in my head went off. Wedding gold! I may or may not do this myself. It just depends on how lazy I'm feeling since I'm already planning so many other tentative DIYs.

Speaking of Oh Joy!, they also featured these great papercut maps, which of course you know I love! Go! Check them out! They'd make a nice wedding gift if the people have some sort of connection to either London or Paris. I myself am holding out for Brandon, FL (A.P.'s hometown). I'm certain they will be available in 2010.

Speaking of London and Paris, anyone thinking about having their wedding abroad? If so, please emulate this Italian villa wedding featured on Once Wed...especially the bride's epaulette (I don't know what else to call it, really).

photo via Once Wed

Not at the wedding dress, location , or reception ideas portion of your wedding planning yet? Just getting your invitations sorted? Then go oooh and aaaah over the adorableness of these invites featured on Green Wedding Shoes. Sigh.

Finally, go scan this article on MSN, and be glad that your life will not be as confusing as these two's. (One person shouts, "Kelly?" Both respond. Chaos ensues.) I wonder if it'll last...is that wrong? Oh well. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!