Yes, to the ...What?

So, you have that beautiful ring on your finger! Or, maybe you don't, but you have that beautiful promise from the guy of your dreams. Perhaps, you had the ring, but that dreamy guy thought your finger was two sizes larger than it really is, so you had to part with it for a few days to have it re-sized. Wherever the ring is, you've got work to do, but where do you start?!

Brace yourself, because you are about to dive head  first into a world of taffeta, chiffon, dupioni, and silk...

That's right - the dress! While there is no written law stating that this is where you should start, its not a bad idea. It can take up to 6 months to come in and then you may have to add a few more weeks for alterations. Granted, you may want to decide on a venue first. You wouldn't want to get your heart set on that full ball gown for a beach wedding. Still, there's no harm in looking, right?

I was overwhelmed with all of the options, initially, but I realized that I liked a piece of this dress, or the strap on that dress...turns out, there was a dress that had all of those tidbits combined. Of course, it was the last one I tried on, but I knew it was the one. Corny, I know. However, I didn't have a big revelation like the TV show - I loved almost every dress I put on.... I just didn't want to take this one off.

So here's my advice to you:

• Don't try on a dress that's out of your budget.
• Do try on lots of different styles - you might just like that strapless look you thought you'd hate!
• Do move around in the dress - you're going to be dancing, tossing a bouquet, and hugging people all night in that thing! Take note of the weight and the mobility of the dress.
• Don't settle on a dress because it's your mother's/sister's/aunt's favorite. Get the dress that you want. (Sorry Mom, but you've had your day already!)  

Another little something for all you chic, vintage-y, pinterest-driven brides: take a peek in your local antique stores...you never know what kind of treasures you might find, like these authentic vintage wedding gowns:

A New Leaf

My hobbies have always been apparent to me. I love photography, crafting, nature, animals, sports, clothes, and a good book. It wasn't until recently that I realized how to bundle all of these things up into one perfectly wrapped package: My wedding.

Bridal magazines, lace, wedding photography, flowers, and etiquette books suddenly flooded my MIL-to-be's home last summer after Daniel's proposal. I discovered Pinterest and was instantly addicted (as are the best of us). Ideas and crafts and projects came to us like we had whatever it is David Tutera eats for breakfast. It was wedding planning bliss. 

On March 24, 2012, I married my best friend and all of those hand-made details and home-spun ideas were on display for the world to see. Well, our world anyway. It truly was a perfect day. 

Since our wedding, I've had this evoking sensation. It happens when I'm waiting in a check-out line and I catch the bride on the cover of The Knot smiling at me. Or, when I'm driving down the highway and get the sudden urge to pull over and pick the wildflowers in the median for inspiration. Mind you, two months ago I would have! 

So, in an effort to channel these urges, I am turning over a new leaf. Now my creative ideas, energy, and efforts can focus on all the brides-to-be that care to have it! If I can help even one bride in planning her perfect day - its completely worth it.