"Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married"

Marriage or any relationship takes effort, kindness, forgiveness, understanding, patience, and so much more. I am not an expert, but I do have a minor in Psychology, plus my husband and I are almost at our 3 year anniversary come July, so we are doing something right. I've also kept my friendships between many of my childhood friends, as well as, new friends. I love being able to share our life challenges, struggles, marriage, divorce, birth, and loss. Yah, I know I'm getting TOO deep here, but I wanted to introduce this post well. I recently finished reading, "Things I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married" by Gary Chapman and here are some key points from this book. I recommend anyone who is single, dating, engaged, or married read this book. He brings up many great points, some are religious so I don't want you to think I'm pushing any sort of personal religious beliefs, since I myself and not very religious but do have faith and I am spiritual. This book isn't that long, but has very well worth while points.....

"We will have conflicts. Conflicts are not a sign that you have married the wrong person. They simply affirm that you are human. What we fail to recognize is that our spouse has the same opinion of their ideas. Their logic will not agree with your logic, and their emotions will not mirror your own".


"Talking without listening leads to arguments".


"Compromise in a marriage is not only positive but it is necessary. Compromise means to find a meeting place. It requires each of you to be willing to give up something in order to have harmony in the marriage. IF, on the other hand, we both insist on having our way, then we are back in the argument mode. In marraige it is never "having it my way." Rather it's discovering "our" way".


"Meeting in the middle involves finding a meeting palce in the middle of your original ideas that both of you agree is workable".


If you are the one to compromise "you are choosing to do what they desire as an act of love because you care about them and you see how important it is to them". 


"I found out that the woman whom I married had ideas, some of which I considered to be stupid. And I told her so. My words were harsh and lead to a downward spiral". 


"There are no healthy marriages without apology and forgiveness".


"It's not necessary to be perfect in order to have a good marriage. But it is necessary to apologize when you do things that hurt each other". 


"Who is going to clean the toilet?? Who does what? Even this simplest question of who cleans what is important to discuss. Confusion over roles is one of the most stressful aspects of contemporary marriages". 


"I wish someone had told me all this stuff before I got married! Our first years of marriage would have been much easier. Since we did not discuss these issues, our marriage was filled with conflicts, misunderstandings, and frustration. I know the feeling of being married and thinking, "I've married the wrong woman." I reasoned that surely if I married the "right one," it would not be this difficult. Yes, we eventually found answers to our frustrations and resolution to our conflicts. We learned how to listen to each other empathetically and understand feelings and desires and to reach workable solutions". 


--Gary Chapman


Some resources that were provided in the book:
www.5lovelanguages.com (quizzes on what is your type of love communication, my husband thought it was silly, but the results are actually pretty right on)
www.smartmarriageright.com (resources for marriage building skills)

So do you have any thoughts on this matter???

Any words of wisdom, experiences, or do you find any of this helpful???

{Real Wedding} Jenny & Robin

Jenny & Robin's wedding was very sentimental for many reasons, they were one of the 1st clients that I signed, I helped them and Alexis for their engagement pictures, and they had one of the most personalized sentimental wedding ceremony that brought tears to many there. These first images are a sampling of their engagement pictures by Alexis Sweet. I have become good friends with Alexis as she is the one who I worked with for the boho beach styled shoot. For their engagement session we walked through downtown with their two adorable corgis and I was the "dog handler extraordinaire". Their doggies are very important to them and had to be part of their special day. Aren't they adorable!!?

Jenny & Robin's wedding was very intimate with around 20 friends and family who traveled from Florida and all over, even London, England! Alexis captured the first look in Forsyth Park and luckily the Fragrant Garden was open for them, which you can see in the first 3 pictures below. Their ceremony was held at Wormsloe Plantation around sunset, then the guest departed for dinner at Moon River Brewery. Here are the vendors who helped make this wedding happen:

Ceremony location: Wormsloe Plantation

Reception location: Moon River Brewery

Wedding Planner, Florist, and Stylist: Simply Savannah Events

Photographer: Alexis Sweet Photography

Officiant: Savannah Dan

Cake & Cake Pops: Addy B

Makeup: Beyond Beautiful by Heather

Rentals: In Any Event 

Eco-friendly details: supporting etsy and small business owners, favors for guests from local stores, incorporated family heirlooms and vintage items, non-diamond engagement ring, flowers bought directly from wholesaler, reused glass containers for flowers, stayed at a dog friendly vacation rental, and "green" wedding photographer.

The Details!

Many of the details for this wedding were bought from etsy vendors or items that Jenny & Robin already had or my vintage chic collection. They had a rustic honey, "Love is Sweet" theme which included their banner, honey sticks, jars of honey, bee necklace, bee stamped burlap bags, etc. Nicole, my assistant, and I had a great time setting up their 2 tables with all these fun decor items. Plus I did all the mason jar flower arrangements, the bridal bouquet, and groom's boutonniere. Jenny and I had been working together to figure out the best color combination and which flowers she wanted to include. Don't you just love her choices!? After their ceremony they brought the mason jar flowers to Moon River, cut their cake, and ate dinner. Look closely at their wedding cake toppers, it's personalized characters of Jenny, Robin, and their 2 doggies! When I've been working for so long with couples and the wedding day finally approaches, and then they're happily married, I get a huge satisfaction of knowing we helped make their day beautiful, but then I get sad that it's over since I'll miss them. 

Best wishes to a happy marriage, Jenny & Robin and keep in touch <3

{Pin it Friday} Petticoats

Source: onefabday.com via Layla on Pinterest

I'm always on the look out for fun unique wedding ideas. This one from onefabday.com has vintage dresses and fluffed them up with petticoats to give that swing look. Love their hair too! 


Well, I'm off to a wedding today, have a fabulous weekend!

Intimate Wedding at Wormsloe

Sneak Peek 

I love when my clients ask me to do flowers for their event. I'm not quite able to do large scale weddings by all means, but love to do bridal bouquets and small arrangements. Tomorrows intimate wedding will have only 20 guests travelling from all over to come to Savannah. My assistant Nicole and I will be helping to set up their pretty ceremony. I can't wait to share the photos that will be taken by Alexis Sweet. Here is a sneak peek of the bridal bouquet and groom's boutonniere. 

(roses, billy buttons, french tulips, ranunculus, and dusty miller)

{Organic Wednesday} Green Field Paper Company

So once I run out of my thank you cards I plan to purchase these beautiful cards. 

As you know I love flowers and sharing my love to others would be perfect. 

It is so neat to be able to put this card into some soil, give it water and sun, then watch it grow!

"At Green Field Paper, we are all about the paper- tree free paper. We offer both handmade paper and machine made hemp paper. It is our fine tactile Seed Embedded Paper (embedded with wildflower seeds) that we are known for throughout the world. Since 1992, Green Field Paper handmade paper has been crafted one sheet at a time here in San Diego, California. Our machine-made Hemp Heritage paper is manufactured in New England, home of the first American paper mills".

Eco-friendly Thank You Cards... 100% recycled ingredients, using no chemicals, dyes or additives. 

Plantable... Each card is embedded with a colorful array of wildflower seeds. The recipient can plant the card in the ground and watch it grow. Planting instructions are printed on the back of every card along with the seed mixture.  
Package of 5 (Price $13.95)

WRITE IT - GIFT IT - PLANT

Two gifts in one! If you buy a lot of gift cards for people, why don't you buy a bunch of these plantable gift card holders so they can enjoy shopping and growing a new plant! Or maybe get a gift card to a Spa for a massage or pedicure and give it to your bridal party or mother. Or give it to the Bride! Price: $4.50

A FIRST CLASS USE FOR THIRD CLASS MAIL 

It's not too early to buy your holiday cards now!

Saving the landfill & the trees... 

This is the ultimate tree-free paper created with the junk mail collected by Green Field Paper employees, clients and friends.

Unique... A truly original concept, shredded junk mail is combined with post consumer pulp to create this distinctive paper- no two sheets are alike.  You can even recognize fragments of actual junk mail in this confetti-laden paper. 25 Card Bulk Pack & Envelopes (Price $62.50)

www.greenfieldpaper.com

858-565-2585

ALSO REMEMBER Earth Day 2012 will be April 21st in Forsyth Park www.earthdaysavannah.org

{Vendor Spotlight} David's Bridal

Choosing bridesmaids dresses is never an easy task. When you have different body types, everyone's own opinion, and of course budget; it can become a very difficult decision to make. Luckily David's Bridal has many choices for you and your bridesmaids. Here are a few of my favorite fun summer bridesmaid dresses that can be formal or casual depending on what type of wedding and style you are going for. Always make sure to try on the dresses to see what your body type looks best in and allow for extra room in the dress for alterations.  

dress 1, dress 2, dress 3, dress 4, dress 5

If you are going for a more "Evening  Summer  Elegance" consider these bridesmaids dresses. I love how David's Bridal has plus size dresses which you can see in the first two dresses. Shimmer, sparkle, grey, black or purple are great choices for an evening wedding.

dress 1, dress 2, dress 3, dress 4

If you live in the Savannah area make an appointment at this local store. 

By the way, my assistant Nicole works there and she is amazing to work with!


*I was financially compensated for this post. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.*

David's Bridal

7925 Abercorn Street 
Savannah, GA 31406

Store:

912-961-9338

Alteration:

912-961-9699

Regular Store Hours:

M-F:11:00AM - 9:00PM

Sat:10:00AM - 7:00PM

Sun:12:00PM - 6:00PM

Summer Flower Inspiration

I love flowers and they can be a beautiful accent to your wedding gown and your bridesmaids' dresses. Here are some flower inspirations if you plan to have a summer more casual affair.

pink & orange, yellow & blue, white daisy, yellow mason jar, mixed flowers 

poppies, pink peonies

Now if you plan to have an elegant style wedding maybe in the evening, here are more flower ideas to consider. Make sure you contact the florist to see what flowers are available during your summer season too! 

wild flowers, mixed purples, elegant bouquet tulip, lilies of the valley, and ranunculus, bouquet with dahlias, veronica, lysmachia, privet berries, and eustoma, lily of the valley bouquet, Catherine's Royal Wedding Bouquet

If you missed the post I shared about how to choose your bridal bouquet from the Bridal Musings blog 
make sure you give it a read too!

{the Not Wedding} part four

If you were not able to attend the Atlanta event, you can now enjoy the video of the event created by 
White Dress Media:

The NotWedding // Atlanta, 2012 from White Dress Media on Vimeo.

www.whitedressmedia.com 

Participating 2012 Wedding Vendors (Atlanta, GA):

Wedding Venue: Ambient + Studio / Sign Paper Goods: Honey Bee Invites / Wedding Photographer: Ian Bicknell Photography (Bridal Portraits), Rustic White Photography (Engagement Session + all images above), and Sarah Esther Photography (Rehearsal Dinner) / Wedding Dress: Laurel and Fife / Bridal Accessories: Fine and Fleurie / Bridesmaids’ Attire: CORE Bridesmaid Couture / Event Coordination and Registration Area Design: Signature Weddings and Events / Stage Design:Ashley Pepitone Design / Event Design: Atlanta Event Studio, Nikki’s Event Planning, Buzzy Craftery / Wedding Flowers: Gertie Mae’s Floral Studio and Juli Vaughn Designs / Invitations: Julia’s Poppies / Menus: Studio Four Three / Wedding Caterer: Sun in my Belly / Wedding Cake: B. Sweet Cake Boutique / Chocolate Fountain and Candy Bar: Oakwood Occasions / Bartending and Signature Cocktails: The Perfect Bartender / Chair Rentals:Goodwin Events / Vintage Rentals and Lounge Area Design: Four Inch Fold / Printed Banners: Liddabits / Handheld Signs: Miss Wyolene / Hair and Makeup: Raney O’Keefe / Media Sponsor: Occasions Magazine / Photobooth: The Majestic Photobooth Co. / Videobooth: The GuestBox / Videographer: White Dress Media / Registry: Bloomingdale’s Lenox Square / Travel Agency: Columbus Travel / Entertainment: A-Town A-List / DJ: DJ Josh Whitlock / Ceremony Music: Emily Hearn

{Bright Idea Thursday} Group Hug Photos

I am definitely a hugger so when I see big group hugs it makes me smile. People are letting go of their stress, having a good time and enjoying the moment. Those are some of the best wedding moments for me to witness. ((((BIG HUG))))

source 

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{Inspiration Board} Tea Party Wedding

This guest post inspiration board for Layla today may not be the most creative considering we did just work at a wedding a few weeks ago with vintage mismatched china and you'll see those pictures soon! However, I still think it is a very beautiful idea for a wedding. Ever since that wedding I wanted to make an inspiration board for it! We are actually working at a wedding later this year that sounds like it might look like a tea party & I love how this board turned out! Has a very Alice in Wonderland, shabby chic feeling to it! Anyway, have a good day! 

For more great Tea Party Wedding ideas go to this older post on our blog: {Bright Idea Thursday} Sunday Wedding

source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17

How To Choose Your Bridal Bouquet from Bridal Musings

One of my favorite details of weddings or any event is FLOWERS! I've always loved flowers and have also made many floral arrangements for the styled shoots, bridal expos, and will be making some for a few upcoming weddings! I also love to go with you to any floral meetings with my preferred florists. This blog post by Bridal Musings has some great advice that I had to share. Plus I love to support fellow TWIPS  --Layla

Floral Musings: How To Choose Your Bridal Bouquet

• "What flowers should you include in your bouquet? What colours/shapes work best with your dress? How big should your bouquet be? And how on Earth are you supposed to hold your bouquet?!

  To help answer those questions, I’m thrilled to welcome Emma of Emma Lappin Flowers to share her top tips on choosing and making the most of your bridal bouquet.

  Emma Lappin is a UK based floral designer specializing in chic, elegant and stylish flower arrangements for weddings and special events. I had the pleasure of meeting Emma at a photography workshop we attended last year, where I got the chance to see (and smell) her stunning designs first hand."

  "Top 10 Tips For Choosing & Making The Most Of Your Bridal Bouquet"

  1) "Try to choose your wedding dress before your flowers"

  "When you meet your florist for a consultation, remember to bring a picture of your dress. The design of your bouquet is completely dependent on the style, shape and detail of your dress. I think the key to bouquet design is that it doesn’t drown you, hide the silhouette of the dress or unbalance the line."

  2) "Consider the shape and size of your bouquet carefully"

  "Do not opt for a trailing bouquet if the feature detail of your dress is on the skirt, but if you have a long train or bustle at the back of your dress you might want to balance the look with a more dramatic bouquet. Do not hide your waist as this is likely to be your narrowest part, so make sure the bouquet is much narrower than your waist. Whilst bouquet fashions change overtime, the most important thing is that it works with your dress but doesn’t drown you or hide the beautiful details."

  

  Bouquet of Anemones and Tulips by Emma Lappin Flowers

  Read the entire post of all 10 tips click here: http://bridalmusings.com/2012/03/floral-musings-top-10-tips-on-bridal-bouquet-emma-lappin-flowers/