Pinspiration

Ginger jars

Garden bouquet

Lace

Chiavari chairs

Monogram napkins

Cobalt blue glasses

Victoria's Secret waves

Blue and white designs

Ribbon straws

The secret wedding Pinterest board. Mine existed long before the wedding planning officially kicked off... and thankfully so because that is when you actually have time to research.

Once my venue was booked it was easy to narrow down all of the ideas. I knew that I wanted to base my theme around ginger jars. My venue had a navy and gold printed carpet that worked well with my vision. My florist and I clicked at the mention of "blue and white" and ginger jars. She created tables beyond anything I could have found online and helped me incorporate the cobalt blue glasses and monogrammed linen napkins among the Ralph Lauren-esque flowers and decor.

My Wedding

Ted and I were married on September 7, 2013 at the Harbor View Hotel in Edgartown on Martha's Vineyard.

Here is a snapshot... I can't wait to share my inspirations and wedding planning experience with you!

(C) Kristen Leigh Conklin Photography

Photography: Kristen Leigh Conklin Photography // Paper: William Arthur via INK Fine Stationers Ridgefield, CT// Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier (Scarlet) via The Plumed Serpent Westport, CT // Wedding Shoes: Christian Louboutin // Headpiece: Twigs & Honey via Everthine Bridal Boutique Madison, CT// Jewelry: Carolee (earrings, bracelet) // Makeup and Hair: Sea Spa Salon // Lashes: Body Beautiful of NY Mount Kisco, NY// Tan: Zen Bronze Greenwich, CT// Tuxedos: BLACK by Vera Wang // Bridesmaids Dresses: Shoshanna via Mint Julep // Floral design: Dandeneau Flowers // Cake: Cakes by Liz // Venue: Harbor View Hotel

Five on Friday

TGIF.

1 // WEARING

Forever 21 Sweet Sophisticate Shift Dress $22.80

I love when I wear something from Forever 21 and people are shocked when I say where it's from. Sadly my "Forever finds" are few these days... but there is still hope among the crop tops. I was on the hunt for a versatile dress to wear with black tights and my suede over the knee Stuart Weitzman 5050 boots that I got for Christmas. When it starts to warm up I'll ditch the tights and wear with booties.

2 // READING

More reading, less Bravo. My first book of the year was David & Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell.

3 // EATING

I could have grilled cheese and tomato soup everyday.

4 // DRINKING

Chef'n Citrus Juicer $24.95

I am always on these random health and beauty kicks. The latest is drinking warm lemon water every morning. I attempted this once before... I failed to stock up on lemons. Back at it... bring on the benefits!

5 // LOVING

Sugar Paper Lobster Card $6.00

Awwwwww. Cute.

Thanks to April, Christina, Darci, and Natasha for hosting this linkup.

Happy Weekending!

On Wednesdays we wear pink!

via Ashley Brooke Designs

Someone please buy me this mug!

2013 Highlights: Rachel and Sebastian

2013 highlights continued! 

Rachel and Sebastian's wedding was in October at the Saybrook Point Inn & Spa in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. Rachel and I met as colleagues and although we have both moved on to new companies remain great friends. You're likely to find us catching up after work at one of our favorite meeting spot in Manhattan, Artisanal, sipping on dirty martinis.

Ted and I attended several weddings last year and ended the season celebrating with an amazing couple. Sebastian is her perfect match and I couldn't be happier for them. The pictures speak for themselves... the wedding was gorgeous and reflected Rachel's imitable style. Orchids, galore!

Congratulations Rachel & Sebastian! xo

Photography: Bryce Covey Photography

Rachel's Dress: Pronovias. Shoes: Valentino.

90's Flashback: I'm a "Felicity"

Me and my pals Felicity, Kirsten, Samantha & Molly

I recently read How Much Is An Original American Girl Doll Worth? Molly, RIP=$$$ on Buzzfeed. A big dose of nostalgia. I wanted to sell Molly a few years ago... good thing I waited? I actually don't know if I can part. I feel kind of bad.

Felicity was the queen bee of my collection, my first and favorite. I was extremely fortunate to have a few. My mom was just as much into collecting them as me... she persistently asked if I wanted Molly and I always said no. Well, she had already bought her. I didn't really play with mine beyond dressing them up. I didn't like my friends touching them for fear they would ruin their hair or (gasp) mix up clothing between dolls. Someone combed out Felicity's curls and I flipped. This wouldn't shock my adulthood friends.... the OCD tendencies still exist. I did eventually get a "Make Your Own" even though I was a little old for it. I wanted the cheerleading uniform.

What Your American Girl Doll Says About the Rest of Your Life

Felicity Merriman

You grew up to have an affinity for lovely things, a possibly inflated sense of your own uniqueness, a teensy hint of self-righteousness (remember how she refused tea when they raised the tea tax? "Thank you, I shall take no tea!"), and a latent familiarity with Colonial Williamsburg.

Yup... that's me. 

 I love guessing which doll someone had. High probability you're a "Samantha." Please share!

I love plaid.

Goodnight Macaroon Heather Grey Side Slit Crewneck $75.00

Back to blogging = back to shopping.

I'm obsessed with plaid... and everything Olivia Palermo wears. Within minutes of discovering that this sweater was online and not crazy expensive the order was placed. Apparently OP is a fan of Goodnight Macaroon... so now I am. I wish I had ordered this cable knit sweater too. Oh and this one (as seen on Miranda Kerr, my other style icon). OK maybe I wish I never found this site, ha!

Gap Plaid Scarf $29.99

This has been one of my favorite scarves this winter... found in the men's section at Gap. It's the same material as the women's Cozy Scarf. They are so soft and a nice big size. I usually leave mine on a shawl at work.

via Pinterest

Plaid AND puppies...  ahhhh!

Chalk Talk

via Sunday Suppers

Let's talk chalk. 

Chalkboards and chalkboard accented items for entertaining and decor are always showing up on my Pinterest feed.

Have you ever prepared something for a gathering and forgot to serve it? A visible menu may prevent that from happening.

I found this cute 10x10 board at TJ Maxx for $7.99. Keep an eye out, Maxxinistas.  

via Camille Styles

I like the combination of color and texture on this cutting board as opposed to an entire slate. If you are a DIYer, this can be achieved with chalk paint. I found a similar style on Amazon.

Sur La Table Chalkboard Wine Charms $9.95

Guests can personalize wine tags with their initials or a design.

Mine Design Chalkboard Candle $24.00

Great alternative to a sign or unique way to send a "Congratulations" or message to a friend.

Free Printable Chalkboard Gift Tags

For the chalk look... cute (FREE) gift tags. Print these out on card stock.

via Pinterest

I know I would need this otherwise my lettering would look like grade school scribble.

2013 Highlights: Lindsay & Joe Tie the Knot

(c) Hilary Wood Photography, 2013

There were a few amazing events from 2013 that still need to be covered. My friends Lindsay and Joe got married over Memorial Day weekend on Cape Cod. It was one of my favorite weekends of 2013!

In April I traveled to Nashville for Lindsay's bachelorette weekend. It was just a coincidence we both had butterfly cowboy boots and distressed jeans packed. Props to her MOH for designing the cute tanks we wore. I loved Nashville and hope to make it back there, specifically Honky Tonk Central.

The bride and groom at the rehearsal dinner at the Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster.

Ted was one of Joe's groomsmen.

(c) Hilary Wood Photography, 2013

The ceremony and reception were held at the Wequassett Resort and Golf Club in Harwich.

A few of my own photos... I love the combination of nautical and bling. What a wedding!

Congratulations Lindsay and Joe!