Real Wedding: Lauren and Gil (Part 1 of 2)

What better way to bring us into the new year than with a fantastic real wedding!? This past October two of our very favorite people got married and we've been dying to share their wedding with you. We were busy during November and December with holiday posts and vacation but now we are back and ready to share the wedding of our friends Lauren and Gil.  

Lauren and Gil met at a Rutgers pre-college "Connections" program in 2002 and while Lauren was instantly attracted to him, he was seeing someone at the time and the two went their separate ways.  Flash forward to our sophomore year of college when the two had their first kiss after Gil happened to crash a holiday party that Lauren was having.  Lauren and Gil officially start dating until February of 2004 and they have been together ever since! Gil popped the question on the beach on November 5th, 2010 and the couple quickly got to planning their wedding for the following fall.  Lauren and Gil are a fun, laid back, and thoughtful couple and their wedding certainly reflected those qualities.  From the beachy feel and sentimental details, to the Jack Johnson first dance and basket of flip flops we really felt totally relaxed and free to kick back and have a great time with our friends.  Here's a look at some of our favorite shots of the bride and groom getting ready and of their beautiful ceremony.:

(The groomsmen left for the ceremony and forgot the groom!)

(Luckily he made it in time!)

We hope you enjoyed Part 1 of Lauren and Gil's wedding. Be sure to stop by on Friday for more shots of the happy couple, bridal party, and reception!  Also, we'll have info on the vendors and some words from the bride about her wedding planning experience and inspiration.

XOXO

Jen & Saira

Color Day Themes: The Jersey Shore

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend in the US and that means it's the unofficial start of summer here at the Jersey Shore (or, as us locals call it, "the beach").  The boardwalk opens, families will be stuffing their faces with fried Oreos, children will be filling their cups with tickets to later redeem for friendship bracelets, and the brave may even venture out to dip their toes in the water. The boardwalk and Jersey shore are central to some of our best childhood memories- the first time we ever got a 100 in skee ball, the slices of boardwalk pizza  bigger than our faces, and the feeling of hope and anxiety we get when we here the tick-tick-tick-tick-tick of the prize wheels spinning. These are some of the things that made growing up on the Jersey shore so much fun, before the days of hairspray, tanning, and four loco.  So, bring a little of that childhood fun into your space by incorporating some true boardwalk elements like cotton candy, funnel cake, photo booths, and bright colors!

Jersey Shore Boardwalk/Beach Wedding Inspiration Board

Images from: Pizzazzerie, Jamie Hammond Photography, Squidoo, NBWildflowers, Roggio Weddings, Brides, Inspired  By This, Faceless Fashion, Beautiful Bridal, Courtney Reece, Photography by Rebecca, The Knot, Sacred Waste

  

XOXO

Jen & Saira

           

Color Day Themes: The Beach

We liked last week's sunflower theme so much that we decided to do another theme for this week!  Sometime next May-August Jen's mom will be getting married.  Although they have not yet set a date one thing has been agreed upon; it will be a beach wedding!  With some creative thinking and mother nature providing a serene backdrop, making a beach wedding romantic and beautiful  is a breeze.  Here is an inspiration board for all you beach bums out there.  Remember these things can translate to other areas and not just weddings.  These ideas are also great for summer dinner parties and shore house decorating! Keeping it light and neutral and introducing cool, subtle colors like those of sea glass or salt water taffy is key to creating a casual and cool seaside look.

Beach Theme Inspiration Board

Images from: PaintingsbyShanon,RememberSomethingBlue, MyDreamWedding, Bridella, AinaKai, PrimaDonnaBride, Jena D Events , BlueFlairPhotoBlog, White Sands Weddings, BridalHoodBlog, Martha Stewart Weddings, AgnesLopezPhotography, Bridal Party Tees, I Do Inspiration

XOXO,

Jen & Saira

Color Day: Peach and Seafoam

Summer in NJ is all about days relaxing on the beach, so here's a summer color board that would make Grandma proud!  Take a walk through Jen's grandma's house down by the bay and you'll find yourself overwhelmed with seafoam and peach. Throughout the space, from the couch to the wallpaper to the dining room table, and decorative elements, it is obvious that Grandma Dee is totally crazy for this color combo, and we can't blame her! These hues are soft and calming and are truly representative of beach elements like waves and coral.  They are cool and light and perfect for your summer wedding, party, or decor.

Peach & Seafoam Wedding Color Inspiration Board

Images from: Ann Taylor, The Inspired Bride, JCrew, Anthropologie, BeDazzledbyLuiza, soradesigns, percyhandmade, dutchpearl, oneboutique, Martha Stewart, Urban Outfitters 

Sally sells sea shells by the seashore!

XOXO,

Jen & Saira