Plums and Pearls

Wedding Planning & DIY Projects

*Invitations created on Photoshop*

Wedding Planning was initially stressful when it came to things like finding the perfect venue and finalizing a wedding date but once those challenges were completed, it was time for the fun activities to begin. I never imagined how much fun it would be to plan a wedding. There hasn't been a day where I haven't called my Mom for advice. This whole process has brought me closer than ever to those I love most. The motivation for creativity has also been endless. I lost count for the number of visits I made to Michaels and Paper Source - heavenly! The last time I worked on this many DIY projects was probably when I was in a Sorority where there were lots of handmade gift exchanges like pillows, frames and handbags. That was a long time ago. This new stage in my life, this process, has been amazing and I can now understand why so many former brides have offered to help :) xoxo 

*Gifted Boxes: Will You Be My Bridesmaid?* 

*Gifted Boxes: Will You Be My Groomsman?*

*Projects that took over my dining table. My favorite project was going through old photos*

*Fun Wedding Planning Activities* Wedding Photo Booth trials, Wedding Dress shopping, Wedding books and magazines for guidance and inspiration

Shopping for the right Engagement Party dress (Left to Right: DKNY, BCBG and Zara) 

*Family Love* Sandwiched between my Maid of Honor and Mom

Engagement Party

*Some of my lovely bridesmaids*

I am lucky to be able to say that I have the most amazing family and friends in my life. There are very few occasions in a lifetime where you get to have all your loved ones together in one place. I took advantage of that opportunity and asked those closest to me to join my fiance and I for a celebration of our engagement. Instead of celebrating at a restaurant, we decided to exercise all of our creative (and labor) skills to create an intimate setting in the backyard of my Grandpa's home outside of Los Angeles. While there were some challenges like the 80 degree weather and sporadic wind blowing away place cards and photo booth props, the party turned out pretty well. OK not pretty well - it was perfect. It was more than I could ever hope for and my favorite part of the celebration was asking our friends to be our bridesmaids and groomsmen. Thanks to my mom who made food for 32 guests, thanks to my brother and cousin who captured photos of the party, and thanks to all of our family and friends for helping us create such a sweet and memorable celebration. xoxo

*Photo Booth w/ props and a chalkboard*

*Sporting the stache and/or unibrow*

*A Guestbook in the form of a Wishing Tree*

*A Memory Board plus Mom and Dad on May 12, 1984*

*Tables labeled as some of our favorite restaurants*

*Dinner & Champagne...and pens to hold down those place cards*

*Introducing Our Wedding Party*

*Enjoying a sweet ending to the party w/ Pistachio and Caramel Sea Salt Macaroons and Vanilla Fruit Cake* 

The night went by way too fast. If I could...I'd do it all over again!!!

***

10 Things: A Minty Fresh Summer

(Mint Green Dress Above by Dorothy Perkins $59)

Summer is getting off to a late start for me and I'm still attached to my warm cardigans and jeans. I get cold so easily and my office is constantly freezing. Instead of bringing out the shorts and tank tops, I'm sticking to spring apparel and keeping the colors light. My new obsession is adding a touch of mint to my outfit whether it be in the form of accessories or nail polish. Here are some fun items below. xoxo

A TOUCH OF MINT FOR THE SUMMER

1. Urban Outfitters Metal Cap Flats
2. Mint Rendition Earrings
3. Sandro Mint Green Pleated Dress
4. Diane Von Furstenberg Mint Green Wedges
5. Yves Saint Laurent Arty Gold Plated Glass Ring 
6. ASOS Collection Rhinestone Collar Necklace
7. Everly Clothing Mint Green Top * Love love love this one! 
8. Essie Mint Apple Green Nail Polish
9. J.Crew Toothpick Cropped Mint Skinny Jeans
10. St. Eve Mint Chain Bracelet

Central Coast, California

(Necklace Francesca's Collections,  Dress The Closet, Wedges Michael Kors, Clutch BCBG )

It's become tradition to take a few days off for my birthday and use it as an opportunity to go on a short vacation trip. This year, Philip and I decided to travel north to California's Central Coast. We first stopped by Santa Barbara for some shopping and I got myself a pretty birthday dress that ended up being so much fun to wear, thanks to the warm temperature and constant ocean breeze.

Philip had the whole birthday trip planned out. Our first visit was Hearst Castle. This place was truly amazing. There were breathtaking views at every corner. I felt like I was visiting a European castle except I was looking over the Pacific Ocean. The next stop was a peaceful vineyard in San Luis Obispo where we took our time with each tasting. We ended the day with a dinner at Morro Bay that included Oysters, Crab Cakes, Clam Chowder and Filet Mignon. Oh, and we also shared a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that we bought from the vineyard.

The day was perfect but the trip wasn't over yet. We had plans to go to the beach at 5 in the morning the next day. We wanted to beat the sunlight and take scenic photos of the coast (yes, we're obsessed with taking photos). Unbeknownst to me, we were really there to capture a moment I'll never forget. 

~so happy~

 

My Life in Instagram Squares

My new obsession lately is capturing moments with my iPhone and posting them on Instagram. It's like Twitter but with photos and hashtags. I can't think of a better way to keep record of the things I enjoy in life; fashion, food and...well...this summer it's flowers apparently. I'm learning how to arrange flowers because I've discovered that a little fresh addition to the home makes the day much brighter.   

#DIY - Decorating using Real Flowers

#Cooking - Perfecting the Breakfast Plate 

#Accessories-  Jewelry Pieces I Currently Love