Summer Tip/Trend #2: Fresh Florals

1. Choose hearty flowers-opt for flowers that will endure the elements of the day. Orchids, ginger halcyons, birds-of-paradise, lilies, calla lilies, sunflowers, and even roses will champion high temperatures.

2. Maintain your blooms-the higher the temperature, the more upkeep your wedding day flowers require. Have them delivered the day of the wedding and make sure there is a refrigerator to store them before the ceremony starts. If your blooms will be exposed to the summer heat for an extended amount of time, keep a spray water bottle on hand and give your flowers a light misting every hour or so.

3. Bright & Bold-Opt for eye-catching hues in your floral design. Be considerate of whether your wedding is in the day or evening so you can choose your palette according.

4. Bouquets-Be cautious of getting oversized bouquets. A smaller, hand-tied bouquet will hold up in the heat better than a full, cascading one.

Happy Planning!

Shayla

Photo Credit: The Bride's Cafe, A Girl In Love Photography

Get Inspired-Fun Fiesta

Children's birthdays are such a BIG deal nowadays! I remember my birthday parties at a McDonald's party room, a skating rink, or just cake and ice cream at home. These days a first birthday party can have a 75+ guest list and be held at a venue! That's a Sweet 16 or small wedding! Parents are going above and beyond for their little ones at age one, two, three, four, and so on! They want to WOW their guests with unique themes, cool decor, and fun favors....they even hire planners to do so!

Check out this festive first birthday party...from the play on "Cinco de Maia" to the coordinating customization to the ribbon chandelier to the maraca favors, this first birthday is absolutely adorable!

Though this was a first birthday, the ideas from this party can easily be translated into any summer party-baby shower, bridal shower, or fiesta-themed dinner party! Get inspired for your next special event and let {SHE} help you plan a lavish affair!

Happy Planning!

Shayla

Photo Credit: Jessica Christ Photography, WH Hostess

It's a 'Burgh Thing :-)

A wedding in Pittsburgh just isn't a wedding without COOKIES! After the 'I Do's' and dinner, guests are anticipating the infamous 'Cookie Table'. For some time now, wedding receptions in Pittsburgh have featured cookie tables with dozens of assorted, homemade (or freshly baked) cookies. It is a tradition reflecting the diverse ethnic communities of steel mill towns in Western Pennsylvania. The women in the family get together, pull out old recipes, and bake cookies for the BIG day.

You can always keep it basic and display your cookies on trays OR you can have a little fun and add some fun shapes, cool containers, tiered trays, cute labels, and even a shot of milk. Either way, if you are having a wedding in Pittsburgh, the cookie table is a must-have!

Happy Planning!

Shayla

Photo Credit: Google Images

Happy 4th of July

The grills are out, family and friends are in town, and celebrations are happening all weekend!! Here are five QUICK and SIMPLE ways to add some flair to your 4th of July party...

1. Have your guests dress in red, white, and blue.

2. Decorate the party area with American flags.

3. Dress up the tables in patriotic runners, linens, paperware, and utensils.

4. Add red, white, and blue garland to the doorways and mantels.

5. Make or purchase patriotic desserts...i.e. cupcakes, cookies, or mini cups with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream.

Have a FUN and SAFE 4th of July!
Shayla

Photo Credit: Google Images

Get Inspired-Dreamy Pink

{Style/Design} Grand. Romantic. Elegant. Chic. Modern.

{Colors} Pink. White. Gold.

{Season} Summer

{Location} Southern California

This over-the-top estate affair is fit for a king & queen. It is absolutely gorgeous! The attention to detail is impeccable! From the lush lawn ceremony adorned with flowers & chandeliers to the chic outdoor lounge to the acrylic ghost chairs to the pink and gold monogram napkins....this wedding design melts my heart COMPLETELY! Southern California-based photographer, Victor Sizemore, did an AMAZING job capturing all of the elaborate decor' details planned by Details, Details! What elements INSPIRE you for your dream summer wedding?

Happy Planning!

Shayla

Photo Credit: Victor Sizemore Photography

Spotlight: Leeann Marie Photography

Photography is the cornerstone of a wedding's memories. It's only one day but great pictures make the memories last forever. Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the first things to check off the to-do list. It is also one of the most important decisions a couple will make for their BIG day. Leeann Marie, owner of Leeann Marie Photography, is a fabulous wedding photographer in Pittsburgh, PA. Check out her website! You will fall in love with her fresh & chic style, attention to detail, and fun creativity. I absolutely LOVE her work! Here is her spotlight....

{Tell a little about yourself and your services.}
My name is Leeann and I am a Pittsburgh-based wedding, engagement, and boudoir photographer. I love working with couples who are fun, light-hearted, and totally in love. I'm always up for hearing little wedding details, and really get to feel as though my clients are also my friends. I cry and dance at weddings, all while creating photographs to remember such an important day. I take what I do very seriously, but also love to have fun in the process!

{When did you fall in love with photography?}
I started my business two years ago after I got married, and have fallen in love with everythibg. I'm a trained industrial engineer, so the business management part of things comes easily to me. My photography is my creative outlet, and working with such wonderful people is the bonus to everything.

{What is your #1 piece of advice to your clients?}
My number one piece of advice to my clients is to always be true to who you are and what you want. It's such an important day, and it should be exactly as you imagine. Show off the style you have and the love you share.

....Thanks Leeann for sharing!

Happy Planning!
Shayla

Photo Credit: Leeann Marie Photography