engagements

Stephanie

The Single Girl's Guide to a Fantastic Valentine's Day
by Stephanie

single girl valentines day
single girl valentines day

Valentine’s Day is today, and you can expect that all day you’re going to be hearing more and more about your friends’ oh-so-special V-Day plans. But let’s face it: if you’re a single girl, you have SO many better things to do than call Valentine’s Day a loss. Why not pamper yourself, spend quality time with your single girlfriends, or try something new? Here’s our guide for having a blast on Valentine’s Day, whether you’re coupled up or not!

1. Have a night out with your other single gal pals! Spend the night together with some cosmos, delish appetizers, and good conversation. Feel bad for all the girls in the restaurant who are clearly having disappointing Valentines Days.

2. Have a Valentine’s Day gift exchange party at your place! Have some other gal pals over, stock up on wine, and let the gift-exchanging ridiculousness begin.

3. Treat yourself to a ridiculously expensive and luxe spa day. Because you SO deserve it.

4. Play hooky from work with your bestie! Go shopping, get a mani, or go see a movie.

5. Feeling like a quiet single Valentine’s day night in? Get some takeout, get on Netflix and have a movie marathon featuring your favorite Hollywood heartthrob.

6. Go with a friend to that fitness class you’ve been eyeing, but haven’t quite gotten around to trying out. Burn some calories, have fun, and discover your new favorite workout! Cook a healthy meal to round the evening out and pat yourself on the back for resisting all the V-day chocolates!

7. If working out on Valentine’s Day doesn’t sound like your thing, you can still learn something new and sign up for a fun class in your city! Cooking, painting, or wine tasting classes are always good bets for a night of fun.

8. Go on a friend date with another single friend. Male or female -- doesn’t matter! You’ll have a blast people watching and laughing about all the Valentine’s Day ridiculousness.

Image via Studio DIY

For the newly engaged bride: How to pick your wedding date
by Stephanie

how to pick your wedding date
how to pick your wedding date

Chances are, if you just got engaged then you know the first thing everyone asks after seeing the ring and hearing the proposal story is about the date. When are you getting married?

Good. Question.

Of course, you should bask in the wonderful light of newly-engaged glory for a bit and not stress about the details right away. But sooner or later, you're going to have to let family and friends know when you're tying the knot -- if not the exact date, then the approximate season and year.

To help you make the most informed decision possible about choosing your wedding date, we've pulled together some quick facts and figures for you to consider before nailing down the big day.

First steps

The average engagement in the US lasts around 13 months. There's a reason why. Pulling together a wedding in just 6 months is quite the feat. Wedding planning is hard, so make sure before you pick the date that you're giving yourself a realistic timeframe.

cake kiss wedding photo
cake kiss wedding photo

Consider your venue at the same time. If you have your heart set on a date (and you've told everyone) and then you find your dream venue doesn't have availability that day, it could cause a lot of stress. Take time to research venues you're interested in, visit them, and narrow down options. Then, figure out a few potential dates and see if venue availability matches up.

Look at your calendar. Now black out all major holidays. While a Christmas wedding might seem romantic and festive, believe me -- your guests (at least some of them) will grumble. After all, it's one of the few days they have off of work to spend with their families.

Time to get detailed

You probably don't have a wedding theme or colors yet, and that's more than okay. But keep in mind what you like and what you really wouldn't like for your wedding. If fall colors don't really do anything for you, then maybe that November wedding might not be the best idea. Springtime allergies got your eyes puffy for 3 months? Think twice about an outdoor spring ceremony.

springtime wedding photo
springtime wedding photo

Most weddings are on Friday, Saturday, and sometimes Sunday. This is going to mean your vendors will be more expensive, since those days are in high demand. But, having your wedding on a weekday might be difficult for guests to coordinate, even if it is cheaper. Similarly, May - September is big-time wedding season, so prices will be higher then too. If your budget is tight, it's good food for thought.

Think of your close, must-have friends and family for your wedding. If there's any special cases (maybe your best friend spends half the year in another country, or you know a close relative is scheduled to have surgery in the spring -- I don't know, these are just hypotheticals), you should consider them before setting a date. It would be awful to put down a venue deposit and then realize the date just won't work for your nearest and dearest.

BEWARE!

While I mentioned you should ask your nearest and dearest relatives, you absolutely should not  ask the opinion of all your guests. This is a slippery slope, because ultimately the same date just won't work for everyone. It's just not worth your time or stress.

garden wedding photo
garden wedding photo

Don't tell guests your wedding date until you have your venue locked down -- that means your deposit is paid and the paperwork is signed. Things could always change, and minimizing back and forth is always a good thing.

If you're talking to someone you know you're not going to invite and they ask your date, stay tight-lipped and vague about it. Saying "Oh, probably sometime next spring" keeps things open-ended, and doesn't sound like an invitation. If you say "April 21st at the Hotel Vitale in San Francisco", the area gets a little more gray and assumptions could be made by the person in question. Do this as a favor to yourself to avoid the awkward "you're actually not invited" conversation.

Hopefully these tidbits are helpful to you brides -- we know that choosing a date is hard, so we wish you the best of luck! Recently married brides or wedding professionals: anything we missed? Let us know in the comments!

All photos via Mandi Nielson Photography.

An Elegant California Woodland Wedding by Michael James Photography
by Stephanie

christmas tree engagement
christmas tree engagement

So remember this adorable surprise proposal in the Christmas tree farm? I don't know about you brides, but it made us jump up and down for joy when we saw it! Well, unsurprisingly this adorable couple, Shereen and Josh, also had an beautiful wedding. We were lucky enough to have Michael Buchanan of Michael James Photography reach out to us with the photos from their gorgeous day, which we're so excited to share with you!

Set in at the Stones and Flowers Retreat in the Santa Cruz mountains of California, Shereen and Josh's special day was filled with tasteful decor, beautiful weather, great food, and lots of laughter! I love Shereen's classic and elegant style, which is reflected in her dress and the simple yet pretty decor, mixed with Josh's goofiness and laid-back humor. This couple is truly perfect for each other! Enjoy this amazing special day, and thanks to the very talented Michael James for sharing these images!

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mint wedding shoes
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bridesmaids sandals
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bridesmaids dresses peach
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vintage engagement ring
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pink and yellow bouquet
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bride makeup artist
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bride perfume
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bride putting on dress
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groom beer shoes
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groom knit tie
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groom portrait
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outdoor wedding decor
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guest wedding check in
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guests wedding ceremony
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bride down aisle
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StonesandFlowers-0048
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giving away photo
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woodland wedding
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wedding ceremony bride groom
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bride groom wedding ceremony
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vows wedding ceremony
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first kiss bride groom ceremony
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special ceremony
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bride groom special ceremony
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cute bride groom picture
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bride groom down the aisle
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bridal party picture
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groom and sister
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bride wedding dress
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bridal portraits
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bridal portrait
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wedding party in wood
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bride groom woods
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bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
bride groom portrait
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bride guest reception
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mason jar water jugs
paper straws
paper straws
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wedding lighting
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wedding guest reception
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wedding placecards
barn wedding decor
barn wedding decor
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wedding table decor
wedding table decor
wedding table decor
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wedding initial decor
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wedding table decor
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wedding cake
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wedding souvenir
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wedding guests bride groom
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wedding bride groom guests
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goofy bridesmaids
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first dance photo
first dance photo
first dance photo
first dance photo
first dance photo
first dance photo
first dance photo
wedding reception
wedding reception

So what do you think brides ? A totally gorgeous day in the middle of the gorgeous Santa Clara mountains, right? We love the lodge setting, and Shereen and Josh's guests looks like they had the best time. Thanks again to Michael James for sharing this special celebration, and congrats to the happy couple!

Vendors:

Venue: Stones & Flowers Retreat | Photography: Michael James Photography | Officiant: Seth Moorman | Rental Company: Alexis Party Rental | Bridal Hair: Jennifer | Bridal MUA: Daniel Shavez | DJ/MC: Bob and Yumico Vielma | Catering: Loft Catering Co. | Florist: Ruthi Kochm| Cake/Pastries: TBD | Coordinator: Jessie of Pomp and Circumstance

The best wedding proposal photo of 2014 (so far)...
by Stephanie

best proposal photo
best proposal photo

...Is this gorgeous shot. Is this the happiest groom-to-be in the world or what? I have to say, 2014 just started but we're going to remember this photo all year long. Sigh. Proposal photos are always the best.

While we're all jumping for joy around here, I just want to let you know: we have a CRAZY AWESOME surprise for your dear readers. You'll see it on Monday. So stay tuned, because you WON'T want to miss this.

Image via Villamil Photography.

Photographer feature: A dreamy shipwrecked themed engagement by Chaffin Cade Photography
by Stephanie

Okay, we know you're going to love this dreamy shipwrecked engagement photography we're featuring today by Chaffin Cade Photography! The lovely couple, Alex and Gavin, met while working as lifeguards and they love the water. And they love being in the water together! The photography geniuses at Chaffin Cade, Emily and Justin, thought that they should incorporate Alex and Gavin's shared love of water into this amazing shipwrecked-themed engagement shoot. It's no wonder that Emily and Justin of Chaffin Cade specialize in photos that are natural and super personal. I don't think I've ever seen an engagement shoot with more personal and unique than this one! Isn't it sweet that they have a island all to themselves here? It's the most romantic shipwrecked story we've seen probably EVER. The amazing beachy backdrop is the perfect setting to showcase the beginning of Alex and Gavin's story. And how amazing is that makeshift teepee? Read on for more amazing inspiration and gorgeous art by Chaffin Cade Photography!

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So what do you think readers? Alex and Gavin sure make being shipwrecked on an island look great! Leave your thoughts and how you'd want to incorporate your shared love in your own engagement photos :)

All photos courtesy of Chaffin Cade Photography.

Wedding WTF: Would you split the cost of your engagement ring?
by Stephanie

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We live in an age where wedding traditions are rapidly being bent, broken, and downright changed for good. Black wedding dresses? No biggie. Doing a first look instead of waiting to see your groom at the altar? Totally normal. However, every once in a while a quirky little change comes along that totally surprises us...at first. Like this new trend that was reported on by the Today show: splitting the cost of your engagement ring (cue record scratch here). Um, what?

Yes, it's true folks! We all know young couples these days are progressive, and less likely to hold themselves to the norms of their parent's generation. And when more and more women are earning their own dough and living a financially independent life, I personally think that it makes sense. Who's wearing the ring? The lady. Who needs to love it? She does. And who's got the cash? Well, these days I would say that in most cases both parties do. Still, I'm sure some of you still have a squirmy "this doesn't quite feel right feeling" when thinking about going dutch on the engagement ring. I'll admit, there's a little part of me that feels a bit weird about it too. It's hard to break tradition, and it's hard to re-work that perfect image of the perfect proposal in your head when you've paid for half of the ring.

However, there's definitely more reasons couples these days are buying a ring together -- it's not just because they can both contribute financially, but also because of other more thoughtful reasons. For example, in the Today article they mention a couple who wanted to repurpose a diamond from a family heirloom, and create a new setting for the stone. Creating a one-of-a-kind and meaningful engagement ring was something they wanted more than ring shopping at glitzy jewelry stores, and the total cost was less than a new ring would have been. In the end, they saved money and were able to splurge more on the wedding and honeymoon.

Other couples might avoid buying new and expensive rings due to the controversy around the diamond business, or they may just feel strongly about repurposing what they already have. For other couples, buying a ring together just seems fair to them -- if you plan a wedding together and want to start a life together, why not buy a ring together too? In some cases, it might even help future brides get the ring of their dreams, if their significant other can't afford the ring themselves.

Now, I can see how people would feel like buying part of your own engagement ring would diminish it's special-ness or the element of surprise. But would an engagement ring really lose meaning or value if you had to go splitsies on it? I'm not sure about that one -- engaged gals, you'll have to help me out with answering that question :)

Ultimately, this is clearly something that's going to vary from couple to couple. Where one bride might be totally gung-ho about wearing a black wedding dress, another bride might never dream of it -- same with splitting an engagement ring. It might just make sense for one couple and not much sense at all for another.

Anyway, what do you readers think -- is the new trend of splitting your engagement ring cost awesome, or do you think it's a little silly? Would you be cool with splitting the cost of your own engagement ring? Or, tell us your own engagement ring story, and why it's such a special symbol to you. All ideas are welcome, so let's hear them!

Image via Shaun and Skyla Walton Photography

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The Weekly Roundup: Edition 8 of the best wedding ideas and inspiration
by Stephanie

Hello lovelies! How was your week? I have to say that mine was a whirlwind, but in the business of it all there were definitely a few wedding gems that stuck out to me that I was tickled by -- hopefully you'll find them wonderful, wacky, and wedding-y as well!

Personalized signature necklaces

While pricey, these necklaces are awesome! Basically, you can take a signature and get it in a one-of-a-kind necklace. It's great for honoring someone in your life -- whether it's your future spouse, a family member, or a close friend. Heck, if your signature rocks, you should get that made into a necklace too!

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Neiman Marcus

The french braid pullover

Is this the prettiest and most unexpected bridal hair as of late? I'm tempted to say yes. Somewhere in between a loosely structured french braid and a side pony, this hairstyle is elegant as can be.

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Hair and Makeup by Steph

Honey, make me a sandwich

300 sandwiches, to be exact. You've probably heard right now of the smart, successful, and talented Stephanie Smith, a writer for the New York Post. Apparently she's a great sandwich chef -- so great, her boyfriend declared she was "300 sandwiches away from an engagement ring". For Stephanie? Challenge accepted. Read the story here, and then check our her blog on well, her 300 sandwiches.

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Beautiful swoopy letters!

There's tons of calligraphy artists on Etsy, and they're all supremely talented. However, we stumbled across YouDoll Design a couple weeks ago, and have been obsessed with her work ever since! Laura Udall, who owns the shop and is the calligrapher and artist, has gorgeously crafted calligraphy and a keen eye for adorable art. She can even make you a custom piece of art or calligraphy! Perfect for the couple who's looking for a unique touch to add to the big day.

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YouDoll Design via Etsy

Advice of the week

Blogger, fashion journalist and newlywed Maggie Winterfeldt shared her tactics on how she got amazing engagement photos on the blog this week. If you're a newly engaged gal and need some guidance on how to start planning for awesome photos, you must check out her super helpful tips! Pssst -- and she's also a mini Pinterest celeb! You might recognize her from this gorgeous wedding dress photo...

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Hyer Images

What do you think, readers? Any of these wedding goodies stick out to you, or did we miss anything noteworthy? Leave your thoughts in our comments!