Dogs at Weddings

If you have a dog and are debating whether or not you should include him or her in your wedding — the answer is YES! But, please, do not dress them in cheesy tuxedos and frilly dresses. After a quick Pinterest search I found a few cute pups ready to walk down the aisle. Enjoy!

 

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Keep is simple and sophisticated with a thin ribbon and fresh flower.

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If your pooch is well-behaved opt for a full wreath with flowers that compliment your bouquet. Make sure the flowers are dog friendly!

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Match your dogs bow tie with the wedding party for a chic look.

If you are looking for dog friendly attire check out these Etsy shops – LA Dog Shop, Bow Wow Couture and Me and Matilda.

Happy planning! xoxo

Dinner Under the Moon — Pelican Grand Beach Resort

The back story:

Last year when my husband and I met some friends in Key Largo for a weekend getaway, we stopped at a restaurant called Morado Bay in Islamorada for a group dinner. It was during this dinner that I was introduced to an event called the”Full Moon Party,” which is hosted by the restaurant for every full moon. They have dinner, dancing, live music and circus acts, all under the stars and right on the sand. I heard  it is a really great experience– especially if you’re with a group of friends. Unfortunately, I couldn’t convenience my friends to head out to the Keys again for another weekend trip…But, after countless hours searching for a similar experience closer to home, I came across the Pelican Grand Beach Resort.

For my birthday this year I really wanted to do something different and luckily, the Pelican Grand offered “An Evening Under the Moon,” which is similar to the “Full Moon Party” without the 2 hour drive to the Keys and fire-breathing circus acts. Now…I have a love/hate relationship with this resort. When I was looking for a wedding venue, the Pelican Grand was at the top of my list, and I tried endlessly to make it work despite some major roadblocks — also known as the catering manager. She was evil and because of her I went on my merry way never looking back again…until recently, when we headed back to the resort to have dinner under the moon (sans evil catering manager — I heard she no longer works there).

Here are a few highlights of the evening. The dining experience included:

• Culinary selections from a pre-fix menu created by Executive Chef, Todd Lough. (Everything was delicious!)
• Premier oceanfront verandah seating. (The views were beautiful! )
• Over sized telescopes positioned for viewing of the moon. (I don’t know how to use a telescope…and didn’t try to figure it out.)
• Table visits from Bea Kobran, astrologer, spiritual healer and intuitive readings. (Amazing! She told me some really great things.)

I started the evening with a cocktail — Cherry Blossom Fizz, a concoction of Effen Black Cherry, raspberries and Laurent-Perrier.  It was refreshing, bubbly and not overpowering.

 

Our first course included a bacon wrapped date. The crispy bacon hugged a smoked date stuffed with a creamy morsel of cheese. (I’m not sure what kind of cheese –possible blue cheese, but don’t quote me)

 

For the small plate course guests have three options to choose from. I opted for the miso chicken salad. It was really good and all of the ingredients tasted fresh and blended well together. I especially liked the dressing, which was light and packed with flavor.

Intermezzo consisted of coconut sorbet.  It was basically a party in your mouth, and I wanted a huge bowl of the coco-nutty goodness to take home.

Like the small plates, the main course included three delicious options to choose from. Since I do not eat seafood, the fire grilled churrasco steak was an obvious choice. And, amazing! The chive mashed potatoes (originally with butter poached lobster, but I had them nix the seafood) were creamy and delicious, and the steak was cooked to perfection with baby bok choy, crispy malanga and cilantro demi glaze. So good!

Last, but certainly not least was dessert. Each guest gets to pick one dessert item from the menu. My pick, the s’mores “La Playa, ” included molten dark chocolate, toasted marshmallows, fresh raspberries and warm graham crackers. And, my husband had the steamed banana bread pudding, which included vanilla creme anglaise, toasted coconut and shaved bitter sweet chocolate. Both were really good, but I think I liked the banana pudding a little better.

Overall, I really enjoyed my dinner at the Pelican Grand and highly recommend the “Evening Under the Stars” experience, especially if you are looking for a romantic and unique night out. The next event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 and the menu is posted online.   At $75 per person, I think it is worth the splurge. The food was on point, the staff was friendly and you don’t feel rushed. You can stay and linger or eat and dash…whatever you choose. If you check it out, let me know what you think.

Pelican Grand Beach Resort — Ocean2000
2000 North Ocean Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
954-556-7667
Price: $75 per person

Enjoy! xoxo

Sofa confusion

For the past six months I have been going back and forth trying to figure out if I want to buy a sofa from Pottery Barn. During my deliberations, I have missed a few great sales, free shipping options — and the worst part, because I procrastinated, I’m going to have to wait an additional six to ten weeks for production, if I decided to make the purchase.  The item I am contemplating is the PB Comfort Roll Slipcover Knife-Edge Cushion Sofa.  I continuously dream about this silly sofa and have almost hit the submit button when shopping online once or twice…okay, maybe it’s closer to nine or ten times, but I just can’t fathom spending nearly $1,300 on a sofa. But then again, when I search online for other options, I just can image spending a little less on something I absolutely hate…I mean, I am sure I won’t regret my decision, I just want to make sure I’m making the right one — right fabric, right size and right cushion comfort. So many decisions. And, do I really want the PB Comfort? Or, do I want the Buchanan? Or, the Cameron? Why do they all have to look so similar?

 

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If you have any experience with Pottery Barn sofas, please let me know.  I am at my wit’s end…and I’m not sure my current sofa has much time left. So, a decision needs to be made soon.

 

 

Navy and Gold

I started watching a new reality show about newlyweds on my favorite channel Bravo. During one of the episodes there was a garden party in Georgia that included fabulous decor. It was a little bit Southern, a little bit preppy, and a whole lot of amazingness.  I am pretty sure the color combo included navy and gold…but I could be making that up. Either way here is a little swanky navy and gold inspiration. My new favorite color combo!

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Happy planning! xoxo

Bridal events worth attending

Attention South Florida brides-to-be! If you are thinking about attending a local bridal show, look no further! I’ve picked out a few must attend events.

The Wedding Parties® event at Crate & Barrel
I love Crate & Barrel and any reason to browse around their store with a Mimosa in hand sounds like a good time to me. The registry event is low-key and  experts are on hand to answer questions and give tips on how to create the perfect registry.  If you go on Sunday, you get to spend the morning with other soon to be wed couples. It was one of my favorite wedding registry events and I highly recommend it.

Date: Thursday and Sunday
Time: Varies
Cost: Free
Website: Crate & Barrel
Why you should go: Shopping and Champagne, what more can I say!

Wedding Salon
This is a swanky event in downtown Miami. They have a great set-up and a good group of vendors on hand to answer questions, handout samples, and show off their products. This event is great if you are looking for honeymoon ideas, photographers, and make-up/hair professionals.

Date: TBA
Time: TBA
Cost: $75 according to their website but check for a promo code.
Website: Wedding Salon
Why you should go: The event is small and not overwhelming. Plus, you’re in Miami and they have great restaurants near by.

Aisle Style
I have not attended this event in the past but plan on checking it out in April. The event is hosted by Weddings Illustrated and the Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach and is said to offer bridal fashion presentations and luxury vendors and industry experts.  If you are looking for glitz and glamour, I think this is the event for you. I can’t wait to see what this event has to offer!

Date: April 7
Time: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Cost: $25
Website: Aisle Style
Why you should go: It’s at the Ritz. Enough said.

Happy planning!  xoxo

Uncork Your Wedding

Start saving your wine corks because I found a new art project that would be perfect for a wedding sign in book or just a piece of art for your wall! I found this idea on Pinterest and think it is awesome!

 

If you decide to go the wedding sign in book route, I would assemble the corks in the  shape you like first and leave a pen out for your guests and a few simple instructions.  Guests can write their names and a very short note at your wedding reception. Or you can forgo the signatures and just create a really interesting piece of art for your home or office.  Not only will the corks go to good use but you will have another memory from your wedding that you can keep forever!

From looking at the picture I am pretty sure the ombre effect can be achieved with a few markers or paint.  So, pour another glass of wine because you have an art project to work on!  Cheers!

Happy planning! xoxo

Hey Readers…

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Thanks for reading and following my journey to wedded bliss!

Happy Friday!!

Denver or Bust!

We made it back to Florida and fell in love with Denver! I think it was the perfect weather, 0% humidity and pineapple upside down pancakes from Snooze, a delicious breakfast spot. And to top it off we didn’t go over our Mini-Moon budget!  Here’s a few pictures from our trip! Enjoy!

{Snooze AM Eatery}

We started our trip with a visit to Snooze and indulged in Pineapple Upside Down, Red Velvet and Chocolate Chip pancakes.  Everything was delicious and we made sure to stop by again before our vacation ended.

{Garden of the Gods}

After breakfast we headed down to Colorado Springs and toured the Garden of the Gods via Jeep.  Were chauffeured around and even got a history lesson from our driver.  The headed to Academy Riding Stables for a trail ride and spent 45 minutes channeling our inner cowgirl and cowboy.

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After a quick trail ride we headed over to Seven Falls to attempt to climb to the top to enjoy the views….

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The next day we explored the city and got to see the Yves Saint Laurent exhibit at the Denver Art Museum! It was amazing!

Actually beyond amazing!   Happy planning! xoxo

Top 5 Etsy Picks

Whatever your theme or budget Etsy.com is a great place to spend hours searching for the perfect detail for your big day.  As a been there done that bride here are a few of my favorite vendors.  They were all super easy to work with, professional, proficient  and worth every penny.

::Save The Date Cards and Invitations:: by By Invitation Only
My Save the Date cards were something I struggled with make a decision on.  Why? Well because this is the first thing your guest would ever see of your wedding and the wrong save the date can send the wrong message.  I ordered from By Invitation Only and could not be happier with the quality of the product.  I loved my Save the Date cards and could not be happier with my order.

::Cute Cake Topper:: by AnnaCrafts
I toyed with the idea of just ordering a simple monogram for our cake topper but simple sometimes doesn’t cut it.  I searched Etsy for something a little whimsical and I feel in love everything Anna Crafts creates.  Her attention to detail is amazing and my topper could not have turned out better.  Below is the actual topper I ordered. It was designed to resemble my dress, she included my Valentino shoes and my grooms Chuch Taylors, and my long veil.  The topper was shipped from Korea in record speed – Next day and only $25 for shipping.

::Sign In Tree:: by Bleudetoi
You wedding is a work of art and your guest book should not be over looked.  I ordered the medium twisted oak tree and can not wait to hang it up. Bleudetoi is an awesome company and everyone commented on how cool they thought the tree was. Here’s a tip.  Have your bridesmaids add their fingerprints and signatures first before you place it out.  That way no one gets confused.

::Unique and Edible Escort and Seating Ideas:: by Vintage Confections
I spared no detail when it came to my wedding and I knew my escort cards were no exception. Sure the normal tent cards could have worked great but how could you pass up pretty pink lollipops that come in a variety of colors.  I ordered three sets of numbers 1-9 in cotton candy flavor.  These pretty pops not only look good they are delicious.  They are creamy and dreamy and do not taste artificial at all.  If you are plan on ordering you can give one number to each guest or one per couple – which is what I did.  They run under $4 per lollipop.

::Garter:: by Brook Hunsaker Country Couture
My garter was a little bit glamorous, a little bit vintage and a whole lot of fun!  I knew I couldn’t just have a regular garter so when I started searching for my thigh high accessory I went straight to Etsy and found a few I feel in love with.  At under $30 I knew it was meant to be and Brook was super easy to work with and very accommodating considering I order just days before the wedding.  It was really comfortable and came as a set with a garter to toss.  

Happy Planning! xoxo

Let Them Eat {Wedding} Cake!

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I’ve been married for exactly one week and I’ve been asked numerous times if anything feels different. The answer I give everyone is the same – It feels no different. It’s kinda like a birthday.  You anticipate the day but after it’s gone, everything is still the same. Nothing feels different…well maybe I feel a little broke. But besides that…nothing out of the norm.

In fact, the wedding almost feels like it was a dream and although I wouldn’t change a thing, there are a few things I would have done differently.

Don’t Procrastinate: I waited until last-minute to do a few things like pack for the weekend and get everything I needed together.  Because I was scrambling to get everything ready the day of – the morning flew by and I forgot the gift box…Don’t forget your gift box!

Start Early: I arrived at the hotel around noon and most of my bridesmaids didn’t show up until 2pm.  Even though some were getting their hair and make-up done elsewhere it was really chaotic in the bridal suite. I would highly suggest having everyone arrive earlier than you think you need them there.  Something will happen that will cause you to run a little late.  For example. I hit every red light and the bridge.  Gotta love Florida! Plus, the last hour will flew by and we were rushing out of the bridal room with handbags, flip flops and clothes from the morning.  We had no time to stash them in a room so we carried everything to the church.  No fun!  My Valentino shoe box got crushed in the chaos! So upsetting.

Take More Pictures: I love pictures so I have no idea how this was overlooked.  But with all the excitement my camera was a no-show.  Luckily, a good friend grabbed her camera and stopped by the bridal suite to snap a few shots before the professional photographer got there.  I haven’t seen any of her pictures yet but hopefully some will leak soon.  Another thing I wish I had was a videographer. Because I went over budget (by a lot) I opted to save money and forgo the video.  I did however ask a bridesmaid to film some memories using my Sony Bloggie. If this is a route you are planning on taking I suggest having a plan to follow.  Some suggestions: Video of the girls getting ready, the guys getting ready, the bride getting into her dress, the girls/guys walking to the limo, highlights of the ceremony and the grand entrance just to name a few.

 Don’t Hand The Top Layer of Your Cake to Random Hotel Workers – After the wedding is over there is a possibility you will do something without thinking clearly. Case in point – The top layer of my wedding cake was delivered to my hotel room in a pretty white box, unfortunately the air conditioner in the hotel room was broken so I called downstairs to ask for a new room and a refrigerator to place my cake in for safe keeping. We were moved to a new room and my cake was taken by a friendly employee….who lost my cake. I did however have another cake made and it is now safe in my freezer.

{My pretty little cake top)

Traditionally, you are supposed to freeze the cake and eat it on your one year anniversary.  My cake was amazing and there was no way I could go one whole year without getting my hands into that deliciousness. So, I cut my cake into 12 petite pieces and  wrapped each slice individually.  My husband (so weird!) and I will eat one slice of cake on the 11th of each month (the 11th is the day we were married) for the next 12 months. I also thought it would be a cute idea if we each wrote a letter to each other that we would open and read on our first anniversary.  Sappy I know. But if get to eat wedding cake every month I am willing to get a little sappy!

Here’s what to do: Cut your cake into 12 slices. Make sure you count.  I mistakenly cut only eight slices and had to unwrap a few slices and re-cut.  Wrap each slice individually – I used two pieces of Glad Press and Seal and two pieces of Reynolds Wrap Tin Foil.  Each slice was wrapped a total of four times each.   I placed all 12 slices in the cake box it was delivered in and wrapped that in tin foil too.  Better safe than sorry…right?

Once I have the letter from my husband and myself (which I need to write soon!) I am going to tape it either in the inside of the box or underneath.  I am praying the freezer doesn’t malfunction and ruin our letters… We shall see.

PS. The image above is from our engagement shoot.  I can not wait to see the wedding photos!

Up Next On The Undomestic Bride: Mini-Moons, Thank You Cards and Wedding Rehab Oh My!