Hello Reader!
Happy New Year to you!
As my first post for 2011, I would like to take a look back at all of the weddings that I think are the most beautiful, inspirational, creative or just well-executed. On a personal note, I became engaged on April 10, 2010 to the most amazing man in the world ;) and so spend a LOT of time looking through wedding blog after wedding blog. Enjoy my favorites and I hope you find some inspiration, tips and beauty along the way!
10. Let me just start off by saying that I typically do NOT like Halloween weddings. I think that if there was a Halloween wedding I condone, I think this style is pulled off so well. I think it suits this bad ass couple. Plus, this bridal party is just too fab for words. So unique.
Mary and Stefan’s Halloween Wedding
{Found on oncewed.com}
9. STYLE, STYLE, STYLE! The BRIDE is s t u n n i n g. Of course, she is wearing a Monique Lhuillier which is already indicative of flawless taste. Gawk over the vintage deets. Go ahead, I give you permission. The venue is amazing. Austin is just a plain perfect place to get married.
Mary and Riley’s Vintage Austin Wedding
{Found on stylemepretty.com}
8. Love the Claire Pettibone gown, she rocks it. This venue is phenom and I love the ceremony set-up. So elegant, simple, casual yet a little rugged. This couple really created something special and memorable. I love it.
Rachel and Michael’s Atlanta Outdoor Elegance
{Found on oncewed.com}
7. Photography by Tec Petaja is always amazing. Plus, this bride and her bold jewelry! Get out of here, hotness! You can tell that this wedding is two people who are in their element and rocking their own style. A wedding like that creates this comfort that you can't really explain. Enjoy.
Mat and Annie Kearney Farm Wedding
{Found on oncewed.com}
6. Caroline Tran is not paying me to say this to you, reader. Go look at her site. It’s stunning work. This wedding will just make you giddy it’s so delightful. Proof that a ballroom wedding CAN be done beautifully. Certainly helps that it’s in a castle. ;)
Oheka Castle Wedding by Caroline Tran
{Found on stylemepretty.com}
5. This wedding is probably the most famous of the Top 10 but nonetheless, gorgeous. For this wedding, I have chosen to share it with you in the form of film. Check it out. It’s worth the 20 minute watch just to see her walk in that dress. And watch their vows. Her hubby, James, is absolutely presh. If you follow me on Twitter (@jewlzinla) you would know that I tweeted about this wedding when it first happened. Blew me away. Still does. Aannd… you might cry. Just warning you. ;)
Coco and James’s Wedding in France
{Found surfing the web... no reference, sorry!}
4. I have always been in love with Spain. This wedding has captured my heart completely. My favorite part is the reception with the lights... ah, it's magical. Disfrutan todos!
Antonio and Silva’s Whimsical Spanish Wedding
{Found on oncewed.com}
3. There are IV parts. That’s how awesome it is. Just get ready for Colorado, outdoor whimsy and country fun. It's so unique and sweet.
Nick and Surya's Sweet Mountaintop Wedding Part I; Part II; Part III; Part IV.
{Found on oncewed.com}
2. I can honestly say this was the sole soiree that convinced me my wedding should have this color scheme. It’s just so happy and bright! How else would you want to describe your wedding day?! The yellow with succulents is just a winning combo. Let’s be real.
Chris and Kelly Gray and Yellow Backyard Wedding
{Found on oncewed.com}
1. And now... the Number One wedding (in my humble opinion) of 2010....
I love everything about this wedding. I have looked at it time and time again for inspiration. It's so simple, special and sweet. I L-O-V-E the bride's style. J. Crew bridesmaids are always a winner. And there was the ever-so-dreaded, fear of every bride on her wedding day: RAIN. This wedding goes to show that nothing can smother the bright light of two people in love.
Kelsey and Brett Atlanta Barn Wedding
{Found on oncewed.com}
That's it! I hope you enjoyed! Until next year!... ;)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Monday, December 13, 2010
Seeing Heaven
It was Friday and I had an event to attend. I work in the non-profit world and this was one that I didn't want to miss particularly because I need to be personally involved with something bigger than myself.
I show up. It's outdoors. There is a sign-in. I grab a sharpie, write my name with great intention and stamp myself with a name tag. My head is aching and it's only 10 am. Need coffee. Of course, this event is catered. For breakfast. Outdoors. Impressive. Coffee, tea, OJ, coffee cake, baked goods galore. Yum. The organizer announces that we are about to begin and to gather 'round for when the subjects of the hour enter with fanfare and joy!
Standing there with my coffee, informational pamphlet and great anticipation, I hear the music. It's drums and singing and dancing and everyone stops. Coming down the street and around the bend. We're all standing there waiting until the rhythm gets closer. We are about to be enveloped in a celebration. Didn't know what was coming.
I finally get a peek of what is happening when the drumming enters the lot. Men, black, white, all beating the junk out of their drum; women, black, white, old, young, dancing. Dancing in white. To an Afro-Caribbean beat. It was wonderful. The real celebration was what is to follow. Women dancing, with raised hands, shouting, laughing, smiling and singing follow and all us bystanders are in the midst of something that was more than any of us bargained for.
This was the homecoming of women who were homeless. No longer are they so because there is a place called Downtown Women's Center that is out to end homelessness for women in Los Angeles. These women were overjoyed because they coming home to a new facility that would their community. A 71-unit building was finally theirs, fully renovated and furnished for them to call their own. We were there to welcome them and witness.
I cannot tell you what really happened. All I know is that what I was watching was beyond us. The dancing and the mix of all people from all backgrounds and walks of life and ages and races were all together celebrating. A battle had been won and these women were being welcomed home.
I was in tears.
It was so moving. I thought, "This is how I imagine heaven."
The only drawback was that there was no one there to share this with me! I was surrounded by total strangers and here I am crying, for Pete's sake.
I turned around there happened to be a woman that worked there (she had a clipboard and headset; takes a real genius) and she was wearing yellow which is why I think I was drawn to her. Plus, it helped that she was crying, too. I walked up and touched her shoulder and said, "I don't know why I'm crying; this is my first time here!" She looked at me and said, "I know! I planned this event and didn't even know it would be like this! It's just so moving!" Then, I added, "I just need to tell someone this: This is how I imagine heaven to be!"
She lost it. Tears free flowing. She thanked me for saying that and said oh my gosh a few times and then thanked me again.
Let me tell you, I did not expect this to happen at all. I mean, I had expectations. I thought it would have been good. I thought this interaction between DWC and I would start a steady yet not-so-often volunteer relationship. Who'da thunk it?
It was really one of things that you commit to because it sounds really great and then when it comes down to you getting ready, getting dressed, putting on make-up and figuring out what to wear and getting in the car to go, you want to talk yourself out of it because it's not mandatory. No one will notice if you aren't there. Take my advice: get up and go anyway. Changed my life.
Downtown Women's Center is an amazing nonprofit that I cannot say enough about. Here is an article in the LA Times where they were featured.
I show up. It's outdoors. There is a sign-in. I grab a sharpie, write my name with great intention and stamp myself with a name tag. My head is aching and it's only 10 am. Need coffee. Of course, this event is catered. For breakfast. Outdoors. Impressive. Coffee, tea, OJ, coffee cake, baked goods galore. Yum. The organizer announces that we are about to begin and to gather 'round for when the subjects of the hour enter with fanfare and joy!
Standing there with my coffee, informational pamphlet and great anticipation, I hear the music. It's drums and singing and dancing and everyone stops. Coming down the street and around the bend. We're all standing there waiting until the rhythm gets closer. We are about to be enveloped in a celebration. Didn't know what was coming.
I finally get a peek of what is happening when the drumming enters the lot. Men, black, white, all beating the junk out of their drum; women, black, white, old, young, dancing. Dancing in white. To an Afro-Caribbean beat. It was wonderful. The real celebration was what is to follow. Women dancing, with raised hands, shouting, laughing, smiling and singing follow and all us bystanders are in the midst of something that was more than any of us bargained for.
This was the homecoming of women who were homeless. No longer are they so because there is a place called Downtown Women's Center that is out to end homelessness for women in Los Angeles. These women were overjoyed because they coming home to a new facility that would their community. A 71-unit building was finally theirs, fully renovated and furnished for them to call their own. We were there to welcome them and witness.
I cannot tell you what really happened. All I know is that what I was watching was beyond us. The dancing and the mix of all people from all backgrounds and walks of life and ages and races were all together celebrating. A battle had been won and these women were being welcomed home.
I was in tears.
It was so moving. I thought, "This is how I imagine heaven."
The only drawback was that there was no one there to share this with me! I was surrounded by total strangers and here I am crying, for Pete's sake.
I turned around there happened to be a woman that worked there (she had a clipboard and headset; takes a real genius) and she was wearing yellow which is why I think I was drawn to her. Plus, it helped that she was crying, too. I walked up and touched her shoulder and said, "I don't know why I'm crying; this is my first time here!" She looked at me and said, "I know! I planned this event and didn't even know it would be like this! It's just so moving!" Then, I added, "I just need to tell someone this: This is how I imagine heaven to be!"
She lost it. Tears free flowing. She thanked me for saying that and said oh my gosh a few times and then thanked me again.
Let me tell you, I did not expect this to happen at all. I mean, I had expectations. I thought it would have been good. I thought this interaction between DWC and I would start a steady yet not-so-often volunteer relationship. Who'da thunk it?
It was really one of things that you commit to because it sounds really great and then when it comes down to you getting ready, getting dressed, putting on make-up and figuring out what to wear and getting in the car to go, you want to talk yourself out of it because it's not mandatory. No one will notice if you aren't there. Take my advice: get up and go anyway. Changed my life.
Downtown Women's Center is an amazing nonprofit that I cannot say enough about. Here is an article in the LA Times where they were featured.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wedding-ness
Hi-ya pumpkin.
I cannot even count how many wedding blogs, websites, reviews, photos, resources and referrals I have studied in the past 7.5 months. And I'm just talking online. No matter how many I have read in hand. Woo boy.
So, I was thinking: other than having an awesome wedding, what will this get me? How will this seemingly useless knowledge really help anyone? Oh, yes! I have a blog that maybe a handful of people read! And so, here are my brief website referrals for those who are on the path to marriage.
These are the ones I look at daily: (Yes, I know my life will be empty after the wedding - haha!)
oncewed.com
ruffledblog.com
stylemepretty.com
marthastewartweddings.com
onewed.com
Others that I don't look at everyday but are arguably just as essential:
theknot.com
thebrokeassbride.com
etsy.com
greenweddingshoes.com
There's a ton more. Believe me!
I'm telling you - if you need advice, help, recommendation, in Texas or Southern California, I have probably seen a picture of it or read a review on it. Wasn't it Jesus who said, ask and you shall receive? Mm hmm.
I would love to help! I seriously enjoy this wayyy too much!
I cannot even count how many wedding blogs, websites, reviews, photos, resources and referrals I have studied in the past 7.5 months. And I'm just talking online. No matter how many I have read in hand. Woo boy.
So, I was thinking: other than having an awesome wedding, what will this get me? How will this seemingly useless knowledge really help anyone? Oh, yes! I have a blog that maybe a handful of people read! And so, here are my brief website referrals for those who are on the path to marriage.
These are the ones I look at daily: (Yes, I know my life will be empty after the wedding - haha!)
oncewed.com
ruffledblog.com
stylemepretty.com
marthastewartweddings.com
onewed.com
Others that I don't look at everyday but are arguably just as essential:
theknot.com
thebrokeassbride.com
etsy.com
greenweddingshoes.com
There's a ton more. Believe me!
I'm telling you - if you need advice, help, recommendation, in Texas or Southern California, I have probably seen a picture of it or read a review on it. Wasn't it Jesus who said, ask and you shall receive? Mm hmm.
I would love to help! I seriously enjoy this wayyy too much!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Ask her out
Why hello,
Long time, no talk, I know.
I wanted to rant about one thing:
GUYS: YOU NEED TO ASK HER OUT.
It's simple. I'm talking specifically about LA here, people. Texas has no trouble asking each other out (and of course by that I mean, proposing and getting married).
You men out here need to freakin' stop foolin around and ask a girl out. Let me tell you that I know several eligible, lovely, smart, fun and extraordinary women who would love to be dating but don't want to be the one pursuing the man!
And what is wrong with all of these women, anyway? Why haven't you asked her out yet? Rather, what is wrong with you!? It's just plain ridiculous.
It's a date not a serious commitment. Geez louise.
So, get over yourself. And if you have been eyeing her from afar (for probably way too long) what is stopping you? Are you dilly-dallying for the right reasons or the wrong ones?
And if you're so into sports then why don't you just do it.?
xo,
Julie
Long time, no talk, I know.
I wanted to rant about one thing:
GUYS: YOU NEED TO ASK HER OUT.
It's simple. I'm talking specifically about LA here, people. Texas has no trouble asking each other out (and of course by that I mean, proposing and getting married).
You men out here need to freakin' stop foolin around and ask a girl out. Let me tell you that I know several eligible, lovely, smart, fun and extraordinary women who would love to be dating but don't want to be the one pursuing the man!
And what is wrong with all of these women, anyway? Why haven't you asked her out yet? Rather, what is wrong with you!? It's just plain ridiculous.
It's a date not a serious commitment. Geez louise.
So, get over yourself. And if you have been eyeing her from afar (for probably way too long) what is stopping you? Are you dilly-dallying for the right reasons or the wrong ones?
And if you're so into sports then why don't you just do it.?
xo,
Julie
Monday, May 3, 2010
Engagement = Hurry up and wait! ;-)
Being engaged is wonderful and weird. You finally get to talk about all the things that maybe you couldn't or didn't before but you are still not married. You are in a prolonged state of preparation. You are engaging your mind, heart and soul in what it will be like to get married but you don't actually do it. It's a prep period.
Our love gets to marinate in all the yummy ingredients our friends, families and even strangers give us to add some spice, kick, tenderizer and juiciness to the marinade ensuring that we don't get tough to chew or our love and relationship doesn't lack in saltiness.
It's so exciting and maddening all at the same time. Of course you want to be married to this person already or you wouldn't be engaged!
But that's the point.
I'm human and slow. And I need help. So we need these transitions, these times of God readying us. I know God is just being gentle with me by providing us with an engagement period. Lord knows I'm so darn independent and stubborn. I need 11 months of practice dying to myself so that it won't be a shock when I need to do that for my other half in the bed with me.
Our love gets to marinate in all the yummy ingredients our friends, families and even strangers give us to add some spice, kick, tenderizer and juiciness to the marinade ensuring that we don't get tough to chew or our love and relationship doesn't lack in saltiness.
It's so exciting and maddening all at the same time. Of course you want to be married to this person already or you wouldn't be engaged!
But that's the point.
I'm human and slow. And I need help. So we need these transitions, these times of God readying us. I know God is just being gentle with me by providing us with an engagement period. Lord knows I'm so darn independent and stubborn. I need 11 months of practice dying to myself so that it won't be a shock when I need to do that for my other half in the bed with me.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Joy
Hello World,
I just want you to know that I recently got engaged to the most wonderful man in the world. I know that's a cliche but I'm serious about it. He is better than the man I dreamed about since I was a little girl. Plus, I started my new job about a month ago and that is going beyond well. I am so thankful for these things. I want you to know that.
What's more is that I have a beautiful family and wonderful friends that are such strong pillars in my life. Where would we be without these people that encourage us, support us, pray for and with us and believe in us?
I am so thankful, world. I just wanted to send that out in there in the universe. I mostly want you and GOD to know that right now - I feel pure joy. It stems from gratitude, this I know full well. Counting our blessings is under-rated.
Plus, I live in an amazing city that is so complex and full of .. everything! It's awesomely overwhelming at times. There is much to do and much to give. I am grateful that I get to live my life with this wonderful man, with this wonderful tribe called Mosaic in this beautiful and mixed-up city while walking with and for my beautiful God.
Loads of Love,
Jewlzie
I just want you to know that I recently got engaged to the most wonderful man in the world. I know that's a cliche but I'm serious about it. He is better than the man I dreamed about since I was a little girl. Plus, I started my new job about a month ago and that is going beyond well. I am so thankful for these things. I want you to know that.
What's more is that I have a beautiful family and wonderful friends that are such strong pillars in my life. Where would we be without these people that encourage us, support us, pray for and with us and believe in us?
I am so thankful, world. I just wanted to send that out in there in the universe. I mostly want you and GOD to know that right now - I feel pure joy. It stems from gratitude, this I know full well. Counting our blessings is under-rated.
Plus, I live in an amazing city that is so complex and full of .. everything! It's awesomely overwhelming at times. There is much to do and much to give. I am grateful that I get to live my life with this wonderful man, with this wonderful tribe called Mosaic in this beautiful and mixed-up city while walking with and for my beautiful God.
Loads of Love,
Jewlzie
Monday, March 8, 2010
'Boyfriend'
So I work at this retail store and everything nowadays had the word 'boyfriend' in it. Are you interested in trying on our 'boyfriend jean'? They are super comfortable and a relaxed fit. Or what about a 'boyfriend shirt'? No? Okay, we also have a 'boyfriend T' that you could try if you are looking for something more casual.
I don't get it.
If something is comfortable, worn-in, baggy, and hardly flattering on ANY body type it is labeled boyfriend. Then that usually causes some to say, "Maybe if I get these then hopefully the boyfriend will follow!"
Bleh.
What's all the commotion about anyway? Don't women have enough on their plate that the media shoves down their throat about how to look, how to dress and NOW that we should not only HAVE a boyfriend, but be wearing clothes that look like HIS?? Are you with me?
And it's not like there's a new line of denim called the 'husband jean'. Are you catching my drift? Why are women who are in their forties, married and have kids even compelled to TRY ON these jeans?? I cannot help that my temporary establishment of employment condones this product. However, they do as much for humans and the environment as one retailer can do, I suppose.
There's my rant. I feel better.
I don't get it.
If something is comfortable, worn-in, baggy, and hardly flattering on ANY body type it is labeled boyfriend. Then that usually causes some to say, "Maybe if I get these then hopefully the boyfriend will follow!"
Bleh.
What's all the commotion about anyway? Don't women have enough on their plate that the media shoves down their throat about how to look, how to dress and NOW that we should not only HAVE a boyfriend, but be wearing clothes that look like HIS?? Are you with me?
And it's not like there's a new line of denim called the 'husband jean'. Are you catching my drift? Why are women who are in their forties, married and have kids even compelled to TRY ON these jeans?? I cannot help that my temporary establishment of employment condones this product. However, they do as much for humans and the environment as one retailer can do, I suppose.
There's my rant. I feel better.
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