Real Wedding: Temecula, California

You all are going to love Travis and Christina's beautiful California wedding - I think it might be one of my favorites this year! Not only is the wedding gorgeous, but it was sent over from a pair of my favorite photographers, The Youngrens. The couple decided to offset the beautiful rustic setting with gorgeous teal bridesmaids dresses, and honored their venue at The Temecula Creek Inn with wine related favors. The bride's father handmade individual wooden wine bottle stands for each guest - maybe the best favor I've seen in a long time! All of the stationery was handmade, and each table number featured gorgeous calligraphy and flourishes. And I am sure it won't come as a shock but I love the green and white florals, created by the talented Magnolia Flower Shoppe. A huge "thank you" to The Youngrens for sharing their beautiful work! You can see more images from Travis & Christina's wedding on their blog, here and here.

Real Wedding: Itasca, Illinois

I am sure by now you all know that I adore Molly of m three studio, so I was thrilled when she sent over another of her gorgeous weddings for me to share with all of you. Jenny and Dennis were married this summer, in the Chicago suburbs. I am mildly obsessed with Jenny's gorgeous ruffled dress and I love the image below of it lounging on the couch by itself! The couple opted for a palette of bright pink, purple and silver, with their bridesmaids wearing different versions of a lovely deep gray dress. Be sure not to miss the ring bearer sequence below - I always love a good ring bearer/flower girl freak out! You also can see more photos from the day on Molly's blog.

{P.S. Molly and her husband Ken have also just launched a new business, Blank My Walls. If you're looking for some affordable, limited edition photographs, look no further.}

Photography: m three studio
Reception Venue: Eaglewood Resort
Florals: Petal Pushers
Makeup: Cecilia Oh
Bride’s Gown: La Sposa
Bridesmaid’s Dresses: J.Crew
Groom & Groomsmen Suits: Savvi Formalwear
Cake: Oak Mill Bakery
Linens: The Chair Couture
DJ: CJ Paz
Wedding Planner: Carrie Kaye Weddings

Modern Winter Affair

If you follow me on Facebook, you probably already know that purple and silver are the colors that I chose for our next issue of Belle. I got inspired by one of our fabulous tablescapes (by Kern Place Florist) at The Wedding Show  The Ultimate in Bridal Tablescape Design Competition.

As always, I wanted to incorporate the season and the theme of the month to our colors and concept. So, I created this beautiful inspiration board to explain our contributors what creative route they need to follow.

Secret Garden Cottage

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are all having a great Monday.

My friend, Jo, is having a giveaway today.

Jo emailed me and asked if she could give something away from my soon to open shop.

I put together this lavender package for her giveaway.

Here is what Jo is giving away.

Lavender Shea Butter Soap

A bundle of dried lavender

A French Shot Bag filled with organic lavender

A Lavender Bottle

An 8inch by 8 inch french ticking lavender pillow.

Filled with a half a pound of dried organic lavender.

all  photos taken by me

Thank you Jo!

If you would like to enter Jo's giveaway you can do so by 

visiting Jo's beautiful  blog

Secret Garden Cottage

Jo has a beautiful home and garden!

Take Care,

Maria