Baby, it's cold outside

There are warm-weather people (me), and there are cold-weather people (others). I think you can guess what category these two fall under. I love, love, love the little fur jacket!

Thanks to Little Winter Bride for the posting, more pictures here.

Tea Time

For those of you that are regular readers, worry not. I'm gearing up folks. The New Year is right around the corner, and although I'm usually not one for resolutions, I think the timing is right: A certain someone wants to be better at a certain something in 2010 (rhymes with clogging). Work and family life have fallen into a rhythm and the prospect of having some time to myself at the end of the day just a few times a week is becoming more and more of a reality. So allow me to stretch those typing muscles once again - after all, it past midnight, the baby's asleep, the dishes have been put away, laundry folded (ok - taken out of the dryer. It's a step in the right direction!) emails have been sent - I have a moment.

Let's talk china. Fine china to be exact. Something I knew nothing about until I started the whole registry process. I remember when we were first registering, my saintly mother-in-law took me to a shop called The Enchanted Owl, where they had pretty much everything under the sun in the world of fine china, silver and crystal. We perused all the sets and patterns, and tried mixing and matching at a table place setting. There were so many gorgeous pieces to choose from, but if you ask me, there was and is nothing like Wedgwood. They really know what they're doing over there. And have for quite some time - this year marks the 250th anniversary of that most revered of fine china houses.
If you're a lover of their elegant and artistic pieces (who isn't?) consider marking the occasion by attending Smithsonian's Wedgwood: 250 Years of Innovation, Artistry, and Timeless Beauty on Saturday, January 9, from 1-5pm at the Daughters of the American Revolution. Not only is it a chance to observe Lord Wedgwood himself (for serious, he's a Lord!) but you'll learn more about collecting, caring for, and displaying those precious china patterns. After the program attendees are invited to enjoy a tea with sweets and view the DAR Museum exhibition Wedgwood: 250 Years of Innovation and Artistry. For more about the event and to purchase tickets visit the Smithsonian website.

Oh, and in case you're curious, we went with this, this and this.

(Photo of Sweet Plum Bone China, Wedgwood.com)

Paris, je t'aime

Le sigh. I lived in Paris for a few years when I was a kid, and I just don't think I ever really got over it. The culture, the food, the language. . . I've been dying to go back every since. So I was delighted to see these lovely pictures (by One and Only Paris Photography) from Kelly & Jim's sophisticated and sultry elopement in Paris on Perfect Bound.
Be sure to check them out. Ahhhhh. Pareeee.

Gobble, gobble

This is it folks. Look around and soak up those final falling leaves, shades of orange and cranberry and aromas of pumpkin and nutmeg because even though Fall doesn't end officially for quite some time, after tomorrow the whole world is going to be all about the holly and ivy. So enjoy these beautiful Thanksgiving dessert details, by Amy Atlas courtesy of Green Wedding Shoes.
Don't know about you, but I am currently up to my ears in Thanksgiving dinner ingredients and to-do lists. This year I'm responsible for the big feast. . .we're having turkey (duh), my mother-in-law's fantastic stuffing, green beans, mashed potatoes and pumpkin cheesecake. How did I get roped into this again? Oh right, it was my idea. With a little help from my husband and Martha Stewart, I'm hoping to knock it out of the park. Happy Turkey Day everyone!

Bead it

Clutch by Regina B., $200

Be sure to add mints, tissues, lip gloss, bobby pins, Tylenol and a Luna bar. . .you're all set.

Picture via InstyleWeddings

Flower power

Anyone else feeling the need to take a deep breath, slow down for a bit and enjoy the little things? The little, joyful, pretty things like these gorgeous blooms courtesy of Saipua?
Well then, you might want to try the introductory floral classes at Wisteria on for size. (Thanks DailyCandy!) You'll learn to create autumn-inspired centerpieces with fresh gorgeous flowers that are just as good for you as any old downward-facing-dog posing would be.
More details here. Say it with me. . . .Ohm.

Long luscious locks

I'm digging this gal's full-bodied loose hair look- a nice change from the typical low-on-the-neck bun you see on most brides (myself included). And what better to go with layered locks then a frothy, layered Amsale gown that goes short and long?
(Pictures by Stacey Ilyse, via Brooklyn Bride)

Falling behind

Shhhh. No, just sssshhhh. Seriously, I know, ok? I know. But I've been busy! And here's the thing. . .you'd have trouble posting on a regular basis too if every time you looked up from the computer you gazed upon this. Do you see what I'm dealing with here? Give me some credit, it's a wonder I get ANYTHING done at all.

Forgive me, and feast upon some Fall inspiration. More to follow soon!

1) Photo by Duston Todd (via snippet & ink)
2) Lace tights by Plumo (via coco + kelley)
3) Custom tea dress by sohomode (via Etsy Wedding)
4) Autumn wedding discs by neviepiecakes

Tuna's big catch

Now I'm much more excited about the upcoming Halpert - Beesly wedding, coming to your small screen this October. I heart them. When was the last time your favorite TV-couple actually wound up together, conflict-free? Love it.

See more photos (spoiler alert!) of The Office wedding episode here.

Picture via Justjared.com

Purple pair

Don't you just love that fall breeze in the air? It's brought me the urge to do some serious shopping. . .the maternity clothes are all packed away and I think it's time to get rid of those 'transition' outfits too. . .I mean business. Purple is my new obsession, and I'm crazy about these lovelies from Pura Lopez. Could be the perfect accent to your wedding gown or bridesmaid dress.

(Image via 100 Layer Cake)

Yay.

You know how you can be really happy to hear someone's good news, but not like, thrilled?
That's kind of how I'm feeling about the always cool Emily Blunt's engagement to The Office's heartthrob (in my world anyway) John Krasinski.

Congratulations?

(Picture via Popsugar)

Popped collar

I'm loving this gorgeous Pronovias dress with the Edwardian-style collar, as seen on Snippet and Ink. Remind me again why I went with the standard strapless?

Yipee!

I feel like immediately after every wedding ceremony, sometimes even right after the vows have taken place, there's that "OMG, we did it!" moment. After all that time together and weeks, months, or maybe even years of planning, there's this look of total elation on on the bride and groom's faces that is just priceless. Case in point, actress Milla Jovovich and her new hubby (as of this weekend) director Paul Anderson. Adorable. More details on their Beverly Hills backyard nuptials here.

Show-toppers

You just don't see caketoppers anymore, and looking at these sweet selections via Martha Stewart Weddings has me wondering why?

Vintage Bride and Groom, (easy to find at flea markets or on Ebay)

Doves, (did you know they mate for life?) Wreath, (a symbol of the "eternal nature of marriage")
Monogram, (proclaim those new initials to the world)Quilled Bells, (announcing the new Mr. & Mrs)

A deux vers le mariage


Se préparer au mariage, c'est avant tout poser des jalons pour un dialogue conjugal de qualité, sur toutes les étapes de la vie à deux. "A deux vers le mariage" écrit par un des anciens responsables de la Préparation au mariage catholique en France, trace un itinéraire destiné à ceux qui se marient à l'Eglise catholique. A partir de questions et d'exemples concrets, il permet de s'interroger sur les chemins de l'amour et complète utilement une préparation au mariage à l'église. Il reprend les premières pages d'un livre publié sous le titre "Bonheur dans le couple" mais sous une forme plus adaptée à une préparation à deux (questions, exemples, commentaires).

The morning after

Lots of couples, at least those who can get themselves up early in the morning after a night of dancing til the wee hours (read: NOT ME), choose to have a post-wedding brunch the morning after their wedding, as did actress Ali Larter.
I love the dress and hat. It's so "Mrs.".

If you're more of an early-bird than I am, a next-day brunch can be a wonderful way to thank your guests for helping celebrate your big day, a great excuse to add another LWD to your wardrobe and the perfect honeymoon send-off.

Just a word of advice. . .be sure there's plenty of water and maybe even a Bloody Mary bar around for those guests who don't bounce back quite as quickly.

(Picture via Popsugar.com)

London Calling

Well, I just spent my morning triumphantly putting away all my maternity clothes and now I've got the shopping bug like nobody's business. Perhaps a bit of blog-surfing will scratch the itch. I love checking out the fashion finds at Perfect Bound, like these amazing flats detailed with Swavorski crystals by Aruna Seth. Be sure to check out her website for even more gorgeous wedding-day footware. Now if you don't mind, it's Shopbop time.

Bachelorette Wedding Bells

I know, I know. At some point, you've got to start wondering if I am not the biggest sucker there ever was. What makes me believe time and time again, that the couples on The Bachelor/The Bachelorette are going to last? UGH, what makes me even care? Call it a severe addiction to reality television or an over-developed sense of romance. So yeah, you can bet I enjoyed Monday's finale of the Bachelorette (the most dramatic finale ever, by the way), when Jillian Harris and her bachelor of choice Ed "Don't Judge Me on the Fantasy Suite Date" got engaged.
Piggy-back rides, that's got to be a sign right?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

(Photo via People.com)

I Crew


Most gals with a taste for elegant, streamlined and chic bridal attire simply drool over the wedding and parties collection when the J. Crew catalog comes in the mail. But many, myself included, are deterred from actually ordering their designs because you can't see them in person. Good news for those wistfully tossing the catalog in the trash. Select bridal and wedding party designs are now available for preview by appointment at the Georgetown J. Crew store (3222 M Street, 202.965.4090).

What are you waiting for?

Awkward!

Don't you think it'd be kind of weird to give your second dance as a married woman to your ex boyfriend? Your 83-year-old editor-in-chief of a gentleman's magazine ex-boyfriend?
Apparently Kendra Wilkinson didn't think anything of it when she danced with Hugh Hefner to "As Time Goes By" at her June 27 wedding at the Playboy Mansion.

Personally I couldn't do it. Mainly because I met my husband when I was 18, soooo that list of exes is pretty short. But also, the idea is just plain weird to me. What do you all think, would you invite your ex to your wedding?

'Skin-nauguration'?

Getting a little bored with our local salon and spa options? DC Scout points out that inside the new W Hotel, you'll find the latest outpost of the renowned Bliss spa. A great place to get your gals together for bachelorette festivities. . .since it's just stone's throw away from the hotel's fabulous roof-top bar.

(Picture by Thomas Hawk)

Can it

For months I've been gushing over the fantastic wedding website 100 Layer Cake, if you haven't already, bookmark it, now. It's a great place to look for visual inspiration and do-it-yourself details, like these tin can table numbers.
So cute. Check out the details and the how-to here.

Back in the saddle

I've never been a fan of the whole 'I'm so sorry, it's been so long since I've posted' etc, etc blogger apology. Too many of those and it takes up the whole blog. Don't apologize I always think. . .just post! But I guess it's my turn because where the hell did June go?

Oh that's right, I had a baby. :) (And thanks for all well wishes by the way!). The last four weeks have been an amazing whirlwind of diaper changes, 3 am feedings and that intoxicating baby smell that you just can't get enough of. Silvia is one month old and it's starting to get a bit easier to get some time to myself while she's sleeping. Which she's doing right now. . .shhh.

To get started once again, there were some absolutely to-die-for LWDs seen out and about on your favorite celebrities the past month. Enjoy!
Blake Lively
(incidentally, this is the best I've ever seen her look, ever. I mean I think she usually looks great, but this is phenomenal. She should only where this dress and these heels, always.)
Kate Bosworth in Rodarte
Michelle Williams in 3.1 Phillip Lim
Zoe Saldana in Bottega Veneta
Kirsten Dunst in Rodarte
Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta
Marion Cotillard in Christian Dior

First comes love, then comes marriage. . .

. . .and then, you know. Traditionally speaking of course.
Folks, she's here! As of this Sunday we are now a household of four (including this guy), and are just back from the hospital yesterday afternoon. Please give me a while to readjust and take some rest. . .Bon Mariage will be updated sporadically while I'm on maternity leave so keep coming back! Looking forward to being fully back up and running in a few weeks.
Desi's on high alert (ruh roh!). He can sense there's a new queen bee in town.

Goodies by Chickies

Those sassy gals behind the blog Wedding Chicks now have even more to offer their readers. . .they've launched a new product line of wedding accessories (thanks Style Me Pretty).
The gals are offering up T-shirts, stationery and even signage. . .but my favorites by far are their custom canvas tote bags ($26 each). . .perfect for goody bags for your bridesmaids or out-of town guests.

Crown me

Ok all you earth-mother types, looking for an alternative to a traditional veil? How about this beautiful headpiece I just saw on Wedded Bits? San Francisco Bay Area-based designer Into the Looking Glass created this $25 crown using dried braided willow branches, fabric flowers, dried baby's breath and a vintage brooch. Check out hair accessories at the Into the Looking Glass Etsy shop, here.