Over The Moon

...about this invitation suite and bunting...

The adorable illustration by the groom...

The darling "I know the bride" and "I know the groom" paper pins for the ceremony...

The escort cards, and the "happily ever after" program fans...

And the vintage truck holding up the windows used for the escort cards...

All of it!  How about you?

~ Ciao

...photography by jose villa via his blog and one lovely day

Aisle Style: Breathtakingly Bold

I am adoring this yarn ball filled with flowers adorning the aisle...

Such a fabulous way to decorate the aisle, don't you think?   And just have a look-see at the amazing spot these yarn balls led up too...

A breathtakingly bold spot in which to say your vows in front of.  Now this is what I call...over the moon!

Goodness, there are so many ways in which to decorate the aisle and ceremony spot.  It is one spot, I think, that is sometimes forgotten.  However, proof above that this is a spot where magic happens.  So don't forget to create some magic of your own loves!

~ Ciao

...photography by sarah rhoads via style me pretty

Inspired By: Rainer Cherries

There is no cherry prettier and sweeter than the Rainer!  It is said that: "growing these cherries is like playing poker with God."  I guess that explains why they are kind of expensive ;-) 

Rainers make a brief appearance in June and July, and are definitely something I look forward to every Summer.  However, once you've had Rainers it's hard to have anything else.  To me, they are definitely inspiring!  Have a look-see at the lovely Rainers...

Pretty, no?  And the blue plate below adds just the perfect amount of contrast, to make the prettiest palette!  Wonder if this dessert table was inspired by them...

Again, it's not just the color, but the feel here - summery, light, pretty and sweet - both the Rainer cherries and the dessert table!  Don't you just love how inspiration can come from anywhere - a chevron floor, chippy pink paint, an embroidered book cover and Rainer cherries are all perfect examples of just that!

~ Ciao

...images via cannelle et vanille & cake ink events

LCW Style: On the Bright Side

Happy July my dears!  July is one of my favorite months, and I am so happy it is finally here.  As this is the month that I get to see my sister, brother-in-law, niece, nephew and mom!  Yippee ;-)  I haven't seen them since December, and I am OVER THE MOON that they are coming to Cali!  So my summer sure is looking bright. 

And speaking of bright - there is nothing like wearing a bright shade of yellow as soon as the temperature starts rising.  Granted, occasionally I will wear this color at other times during the year, but for some reason I really love it best in summer.  Maybe it's because I usually like to have a tan when wearing it so the color really pops, or maybe it's because I'm just a goofy girl!  Whatever the reason is, I thought I would share with you a couple of ways you could incorporate this color into your summer soiree.

Let's start off decorating you and/or your bridesmaids, shall we?  This Max Azria dress would be fabulous to wear for a summer engagement party, bridal shower or rehearsal dinner.  Yet, it is also a wonderful option for your bridesmaids dresses too...

And the dress really looks darling with a belt!  However, if this is just too much color for you, an amazing pair of Christian Louboutin's peeking out from under your dress would be another fabulous option...

Eeks - tell me those stunners don't make a statement!  I would be wearing these all the way into fall.  And an easy way to incorporate this color into your decor?  Well a flower curtain, of course!..

Amazing, right?  And to think that it's made out of spray painted plastic bottles...oh I so want to try this! 

Anyhoo, there are just a couple ways for you to incoporate a bright summery color.  At the very least, I sure do hope it's brightened your day ;-)  Happy Friday loves...I will be back with another post later today.

~ Ciao

...images via net-a-porter, & via jodi miller photography

Tuesday Thought: Painted Pots & Lots of Thoughts

So sorry my dears ~ I thought I had scheduled this for earlier today...and just realized I didn't!  Eeks...it's late, but here it is...

Hello loves!  How is your Tuesday going so far?  Fabulous, I hope.  Mine is busy, a good busy!  And can you believe it - we are supposed to get some rain today!  Rain in Northern California, in June - doesn't happen all that often...so will see if it actually does ;-)

So I have a super simple 'Tuesday Thought' for you today.  Have a look-see at my inspiration...

It's funny how things hit me sometimes.  And I know that we have all seen painted pots before, so I know this idea is nothing new.  But  I think they are a great idea to use at a wedding - easy and inexpensive.

So here are your 'Tuesday Thoughts'...yes, Thoughts - as you know I have a couple of them! 

First 'Thought': I think painting terra cotta pots in your wedding colors and then using them as centerpieces is a fabulous idea.  You can use a glossy paint, or a matte one - your choice as either would work, and you can paint them any color you want - either a variety of colors, or all one color for a more dramatic look.  Just have a bigger pot in the middle with some smaller pots around planted with flowers, herbs or plants.  You could always use the tiny ones to hold candles if you'd like.  Also, the tiny ones would look darling planted and use as place cards.  Plus, I like the idea of having a couple of the small pots stacked upside down (as they are above) on the table - they would be perfect to hold a table number that has been attached to a branch/stick...just stick the stick in the hole.  Or you could even stick a flag with the table number on it - just some extra fun, cute ideas.  And you know how much I LOVE moss!  I would love to see them filled with moss with pinwheels in the as a fun and whimsy centerpiece.  Granted you don't want painted pot overload so use care, but I do think they could be quite lovely. 

Second 'Thought':  I think the smaller pots would looking darling in your wedding colors, stacked upside down on your dessert table to have your guests fill with sweets and take home!  As for the hole in the bottom (if there is one), well I would just use a piece of paper in a coordinating color, punch using a circle punch and with a glue dot or two adhere to the bottom of the pot.

Third 'Thought':  They are always darling planted with flowers, herbs or plants and used as escort cards!

Fourth and final 'Thought' for today:  I would LOVE to see the small painted pots hanging as decor - they'd be a fabulous pop of color from above.  And for all the tall people, like me, just make sure to hang them high enough so people don't hit their heads!

There are lots of other darling ways these pots can be incorporated into weddings - like planted with flowers, herbs or a plant for a favor, filled with a pretty bag of dirt and some seeds for your guests to plant their own...  Get creative loves and see what 'thoughts' pop into your pretty little head!  Ooh, I'd love to hear about them too ;-)

~ Ciao

...photography by gabriella imperatori-penn

Tuesday Shoesday #30: Buckles & Butterflies

Oh Manolo - you sure do know your way to a woman's heart!  Have a look-see at these jewel buckle d'Orsay's...

Gorgeous, no?  What a fabulous pair to wear on you wedding day.  I love all the colors, don't you? Those buckles?  Yep, love those too!  And I think a perfect match for these shoes is this wonderful butterfly wedding cake by Martha Stewart...you know, this one...

However, if the butterflies are too whimsy for you, this macaroon cake would be another fabulous option...

I don't think you could go wrong with either one.  Awww, shoes and cake - really does it get any better? 

Be sure to check out these lovely blogs for more Tuesday Shoesday goodness:

~ Postcards & Pretties ~ Brancoprata ~ Life in the Superburbs ~ Magnolia Rouge ~ Landlocked Bride ~ The Demosielle ~ Swatchbook Weddings ~ A Realistic Wedding  ~ Merci New York ~

~ Ciao

...shoe photography by lane dittoe via wedding chicks, martha stewart butterfly cake via wedding cake pictures & macaroon cake by sweet merveilles found via elizabeth anne designs

On the Table: Fabulous Fruit

I think it's been ages since my last 'On the Table' post - I will definitely have to get better about posting them more often...starting with today!

And with yesterday being the first day of Summer and all - I thought this fabulous fruit centerpiece would be the perfect pic to post today, as it has Summer written all of it... 

Gorgeous, no?  I adore the pop of color from the tablecloth, and the simple white compote.  I would love to see these centerpieces on long tables, placed here and there on the table.  Plus, with just a couple of other details - like fruit and leaves on the table, a handful of vintage bottle of leaves and blossoms, and some candles I think it would make for some stunning decor! 

Of course you could always bring in a fun or cute element at each place setting too.  I can think of a handful of things to do - like each guests name written in white ink on a leaf at each place, the napkin wrapped with simple twine and with a blossom stuck in the knot, of course a cute flag on a stick with a name on it, stuck in a piece of fruit at each setting would be darling and fun...  But tell me loves, what would you do?

~ Ciao

...photography sang an

Flowers of the Week: 6.20.11

I am actually quite excited that it is Monday today...yes, believe it or not ;-)  As this week (on Tuesday) is the official start of Summer, and I couldn't be more over the moon about it.  And with temps supposed to be in the 90's on Tuesday, I am looking forward to pulling out my white linen dress and kicking off Summer with a smile!

And speaking of white - how about this gorgeous white bouquet...

Ah yes, the perfect way to start off the week and the official start Summer.  Don't you just love how big the blooms are?  And of course this gorgeousness was created by the uber talented Kate, of Flowerwild...who was featured in the latest Martha Stewart Weddings magazine...yep, she's that fabulous!

Wishing you a fabulous week, and an amazing Summer my dears...I have a feeling it is going to be a really good one!

~ Ciao

...photography by jose villa via flowerwild

Just June

Ahhh June, you've finally arrived.  I am just so tickled that you're finally here.  I sure am hoping that you've brought Summer with you, as I am in desperate need of some warm weather!  I guess time will tell.  In the meantine though, this sunflower is definitely brightening my day...

...and makes such a lovely Summer palette.  The sunny yellow color reminded me of a couple of my favorite things from one of my favorite stores, Terrain!  And then I realized that these things would be wonderful gift options for a June bride and groom...so I thought I would share these sunny options with you.  First up, is this watercolor tumbler...

Isn't it lovely?  They are a bit pricey at $68.00 each...but the tumblers are made of hand blown glass, and each one is individually shaped by hand by artist Lynn Read in Portland.  Purchase two and your gift for the bride and groom is complete.  However, I would add a recipe card with my favorite Summer cocktail on it.  I think they would make such a special gift...not to mention they are the perfect shade of yellow!

Secondly, and also in the perfect shade of yellow are these enamelware dinner plates...

And dessert plates...

Being enamelware makes them the perfect option for outdoor picnics, as they are lightweight and durable.  Again, you could always add your favorite picnic recipe with them to make it a little more personal.  So there you have it my dears - a couple of sunny options that are sure to brighten anyone's day!

Happy first day of June!  Wishing you the start of a very lovely Summer ;-)

~ Ciao

...images via the green dandelion & terrain

Sunday Sweetness

Ring bearers and flower girls...

OMGoodness...seriously this is OVER THE MOON sweet!

P.S. - Happy Birthday Mom!!!!

~ Ciao

...image via ruffled

Darling Detail No. 10: Cow Bells

Vintage cow bells tied with fun ribbon and pom poms at the end of each row is downright darling...

What fun it would be to ring those bells as the new Mr. and Mrs. walk down the aisle after saying their I do's!  You can't help but smile just thinking about it, no?  I can't.  I can imagine bunches of different sounds from lots of different bells.  Ooh, I LOVE it!

~ Ciao

...photography by paige newton

Flowers of the Week: 4.25.11

Good Morning my dears!  So tell me, did you have a lovely Easter?  Me, well I spent this Easter all by my lonesome...and I enjoyed EVERY.SINGLE.MINUTE of it!  Don't get me wrong, I love being around people and celebrating.  Yet, I am also the type of person that needs some alone time to regroup and recharge...as I like to call it.  However,  this Easter Sunday was a chance for me to sleep in, chat with my Mom on the phone, do laundry (goodness, do you love clean sheets as much as me?), take a 2.5 mile walk in the afternoon sunshine, finally had an opportunity to do pilates (swimsuit season will be here before we know it), ate a shrimp salad for dinner, had a chocolate and vanilla swirl frozen yogurt with chocolate sprinkles (oh yes, love sprinkles) for dessert, and actually had a chance to get a couple posts done for later this week!   All in all, an absolutely lovely day that was stress-free and all about me ;-)  Which I think we all need from time to time! 

I think I am trying to enjoy whatever free time I get these days as I know starting in May it is going to be work, work, work!  Don't get me wrong, I am over the moon about all of it, and I do get a little break when my sister and her family come for two weeks in July.  But other than that, I currently see no end in sight!  When I spoke to my Mom this afternoon she asked me when I thought I might be able to get out to Florida for a visit...my answer:  December!  Oh, it is such a long ways away.  I am hoping she might come out to California in the meantime...goodness knows I could sure use some of her amazing sewing skills...hehe ;-)

Anyhoo, I have to tell you that I struggled and struggled with the Flowers of the Week this week.  Seems funny to say, but my issue was that I knew exactly what flowers I wanted to post, but thought that you, my dears, would be tired of my LOVE for anything designed by the amazing Kate at Flowerwild!  So I tried to find other flowers that I thought you might like.  Yet, none of them felt quite right.  But it got me thinking - this blog is all about the things I love and am inspired by, and hopeful when shared with you, you will love and be inspired by them too.  I started this blog for one reason - to have a spot for all the fabulous and lovely wedding inspiration that I find or dream up.  LCW is sooo me...and if I stay true to me, then I would post the flowers that I originally wanted to post - so that is exactly what I am going to do.  I am going to post two bouquets that I am sure you have already seen, but since I am over the moon about them, I am going to post them anyway.  And also because if I don't stay true to me...then who would I be?!?!

So without further ado, just have a look-see at this gorgeousness...

I think I almost fell out of my chair when I saw this first bouquet!  Oh the glorious colors, the huge blooms, the softness, the unstructuredness (I think I just might have made that word up...such a me thing to do that my friends made up there own word for it - a Kristism)...all of it PERFECTION and such a showstopper, no?  But the gorgeousness doesn't stop there.  Have a look-see at this soft Spring bouquet...

Love the warmth and sweetness of this one.  Understated elegance is what this bouquet is!  And aren't those tulips spectacular?  So you know I have to ask - which one do you like best?  I would love to hear ;-)

Stay tuned for another post coming up this morning, and lots more goodness to come later this week!  I will meet you back here in a bit.

~ Ciao

...photography by jose villa via style me pretty, designed by kate at flowerwild

Flowers of the Week: 4.11.11

Oh Monday - why did you have to come so soon?  I wasn't quite ready for you yet!  However, another Monday means another week closer to Summer.  And I heart Summer.  June just can't get here quick enough these days.  Then July, when my sister and her family come to spend two weeks for our birthdays.

Did I ever mention that my sister and my birthday are one day apart?  Different years, but one day apart.  Yes, mine first and then at midnight just for a split second it is ours, and then a second later it is hers!  I used to complain growing up that I never had my own birthday once she was born...as she was younger and we always celebrated our birthdays together on her day.  Golly, my mom usually forgets my birthday (I don't mean that in a bad way at all mom) as I think she is so used to celebrating on my sisters.  However, now I could care less!  I am so blessed and thankful I have a sister, and that she is such a big part of my life (even though we are on opposites sides of the United State).  We have always celebrated our birthdays together...yet, the last couple of years we haven't been able too.  But come this July we get to celebrate our birthdays together once again!  To say I am OVER THE MOON is an understatement.  Goodness, it is only April and I am already thinking about it. 

So you are probably wondering why all this talk about my sister?  Well when I saw this beautiful arrangement it reminded me of her...

The oranges and yellows are so Cole (my sister)!  She looks fabulous wearing these colors with her brown curly hair ;-)  Now me, these colors don't look so good ;-(  Which I wish wasn't the case, as I do love orange and yellow.  I can however get away with the paler yellow, and the peach.  And I'm telling you a lot of people can't wear grey...oh but I can, and I love it!  Okay, I am now officially rambling. 

So tell me - did everyone have a lovely weekend?  Do anything fun?  Was the sun shining for you?  It was here, but it was still fairly cool.  Maybe that is why I choose a pop of color for this Monday - to bring in the warmth that has yet to fully arrive, and the wish for summer to hurry up and get here.  And if it hasn't arrived for you either yet, then I hope this adds some warmth and color to your Monday, my dears.  Wishing you a wonderful week!

P.S. - And Cole I think it is pact time!  Pact:   that we try never to spend our birthdays apart again!  Okay? 

~ Ciao

...image via poppies and posies and also seen on design sponge

Flowers of the Week: 4.4.11

Oh boy do I have bunches, and I mean bunches, of loveliness to start off your week my dears!  You know how OVER THE MOON  I am about every.single.thing that Kate, of Flowerwild, designs...well, I have a handful of her amazingly beautiful creations for you this morning.  Just have a look-see at all the lovely...

This first arrangement is flower heaven for me.  Or what I would expect it to look like!  The colors, the texture, the feel = perfection.  Up next, we have two beautiful bouquets...

Oh me, oh my...beautiful, no?  It's those berries in the smaller bouquet that I am loving.  But hold on, there is still more.  Next, are two more bouquets that are just dreamy, and would be fabulous for a Spring wedding with the little pop of yellow from the stamens of the five petal white roses...

I am loving the wrapped stems on the larger bouquet (first two pictures), and the Queen Anne's Lace in the smaller bouquet (third picture).  And goodness, we can't forget the boys...

Tell me the boys wouldn't look dapper sporting one of these bouts!?!  Did I not tell you...lots of lovely!  And lots of exclamation points too ;-)  Now this is exactly how I like to start off my week, don't you?

My darlings, I hope you had a fabulous weekend.  And I hope these flowers add some lovely to your April day!  Looking forward to a great week here at LCW.  Hopefully, with lots more lovely ;-)
 
~ Ciao

...photography by jose villa, styling by joy thigpen & design and images via flowerwild 

Bunny Marshmallows

*First, let me just preface that this is kind of a random post*  I am not one to buy all the pre-packaged holiday sweets and what-not!  I would much rather prefer to do something different like make or create something...so typically me right?  Anyhow, I ran to Target (the place where my money flies out of my purse as soon as I step foot in the door on who knows what...example coming very soon) the other day to pick up some much needed contact solution (a tax write-off...for next year of course) only to be enticed to have a look around.  Go figure.  As I am sure you already know, I found a couple of other things that I did not need.  However, in looking in the Spring section I ran across bunny marshmallows, and thought that I really need to put together an Easter basket for my favorite baby girl (my sister's daughter)!  I love to find all kinds of cute little things (toys, games, t-shirt, socks...I'm a huge sock buyer for some reason...etc...) with just one or two sweets for her.

While I know my sissy is not huge on filling an Easter basket full to the brim with candy for her, I couldn't help but think that she would absolutely be fine with bunny marshmallow.  Don't get me wrong my sissy lets my niece have a little something sweet everyday or almost everyday, but she is so good about not going overboard with it.  Yes, my niece is one of those 4 year olds that can stand in line at the grocery store, right next to the candy section and not ask for one thing!  I was shocked the first time I witnessed it...granted she looked but didn't ask.  So when we got  into the car I said that I couldn't believe that she didn't ask for something...and Cole (my sissy) said she never does...and never has really.  So I know she's doing something right!  Actually a lot of things right!!!

Okay, totally got a tad bit sidetracked - so back to what I meant to talk about...bunny marshmallows...because we all know how totally important those are right?  He he :-)  Goodness gracious do you think I can stay focused today? 

For the third time - Yes, I purchased the bunny marshmallows thinking that they would be cute to put in my niece's Easter basket.  While I have made homemade marshmallows in the past, I think the store bought ones would travel better to Florida for Easter.  (Of course, I will be buying a new bag when I send them.)  Yet, I wouldn't send the bag so I had to come up with a cute way to package them.  Which then got me thinking that they also might be a super simple, cute and fun favor idea (to include in a treat bag or at each place setting or something...) to use at a Spring bridal shower or wedding...the whole point of this post!  Anyhow, here is a simple way I thought was cute...

I have to admit that the bunnies are cute!  I love when the simplest things are in a nice package don't you?  It makes them better somehow doesn't it?

Hopefully my niece is going to think they are extra special bunny marshmallow because they are packaged so pretty.  I have to add a note on the paper inside, at the top, that says:  "Some bunny loves you".  Hey she's four, I can be corny ;-)  Anyhow, just thought I would share how I get sidetracked and throw together a photo shoot together at midnight...ha ha!  Now I need to find lots of other little goodies to go with them.

~ Ciao

...concept, design, styling & photography all by luna and chloe weddings

Make a Statement

In yellow or green for Spring...

If you don't already know, I will let you in on a little secret...I L-O-V-E Elva Fields creations.  I know I have featured her necklaces before, but I seriously think I need to do a post for each season with some of her newest pieces.  And wanna know something even more fabulous?  She now has a bridal section on her website.  Eeks, now I am over the moon!

~ Ciao

...images via elva fields

Flowers of the Week 3.14.11

Happy Monday loves!  Did everyone remember to spring forward on Sunday?  It's kind of hard to forget these days when cell phones do it for you.

Anyhow, do you know that this coming Sunday is the first day of Spring?  I am just so excited about Spring - as it is the newness of everything, plus the warmer weather of course, that is so fresh and invigorating to me.  And since Spring is officially just days away, I thought I would celebrate with one OVER THE MOON bouquet!  Have a look-see at this...

Oh, you bet your buttons this bouquet just got added to my favorite list! Go ahead and stare, as it is one time when it is absolutely fine to do so.  I did for quite some time trying to soak up all the gorgeousness!   And then had to come back a couple more times just to make sure it was really that fabulous.  And yes, it really is that fabulous ;-)  Hope this adds some pretty to your day!

Looking forward to a good week here at LCW!  And there is a Darling Detail post coming up around 10:00 a.m. that you might want to see.

~ Ciao

...photography by tiny water

Darling Detail No. 4: Chair Bouquets

Now I know most of us have seen flowers adorning aisle chairs and pews, however, these small bouquets are just darling...

Queen Anne's Lace and Billy Buttons, yes please!  I adore the yellow and the white, and how they are wrapped like bouquets.  Such a sweet detail, no?

~ Ciao

...image via wedding chicks

Tuesday Thought: Straw Holder

Happy Tuesday my dears!  I finally got my act together somewhat and put a quick little something together for you.  An easy Tuesday Thought is what I have for you today.  Really, anyone can do this.  With all this warm weather I was craving some lemonade...really I was, especially after my long walk today.  And who doesn't like to drink their lemonade through a straw?  I know I do.

Well, it got me thinking...I should show you one of the MANY ways I use flower frogs at parties or events, and around the house. It's simply a great thought really - using a flower frog to hold straws...

Looks refreshing, no...

See, I told you anyone could do this!  It also works with stir sticks as well.  And since straws and stir sticks are so big at weddings these days - this is a unique and different way to display them.

And since I have so MANY ways to use flower frogs, I thought I would share a variety of them with you.  Instead of flower frogging you out, I decided I will post one a month over the next couple of months...so be on the lookout for them.

Hope you enjoyed this Tuesday's Thought!  I'm off to think of another thought for you for next Tuesday.

P.S. - Tuesday Shoesday and Flowerwild February will be coming soon!

~ Ciao

...concept, styling, design & photography all by luna and chloe weddings

Flowerwild February: Day 1

Hey loves!  Happy first day of February.  Which means Spring is getting closer - yay!  I wanted to let you know I am starting a new series for the month of February called Flowerwild February.  I thought February is a perfect month for this new series...with Valentine's Day, and all the flowers that are actually purchased this month...just seemed fitting.

I have noticed that I am OVER THE MOON about one particular flower designer designs.  And because I love her arrangements so much - I thought that I would post one of her arrangements everyday (Monday through Friday - that's 20 days) for the month of February!  Yes, I know that is a lot of flowers...but I am sure we all would take flowers every day if we could.  Seriously, every time I see an arragement, bouquet, or bout that I L-O-V-E it is designed by the same designer!  I am talking EVERY.SINGLE.ONE!!! 

Who is this mystery person you ask?  None other than the amazing, ridiciously and uber talented Kate of Flowerwild.  (Hence Flowerwild February!)  Just have a look-see at this bouquet, and you will know what I am talking about...

Gorgeous perfection!  I just love the lace, don't you?  Really, I love everything about this bouquet. 

There are so many different arrangements that Kate has designed that are just stunning...I just know you are going to love this little series.  So be prepared for lots of flowery goodness over the next couple of weeks!

~ Ciao

...image via flowerwild