Nantucket Bound!

We are officially heading to Nantucket next week!  A HUGE thank-you to favorite clients The Wolfs for providing the inspiration, guidance and the encouragement needed to make this fall getaway happen!
We presently have some fun things planned but are always appreciative of any insider advice…
We are staying are the darling Union Street Inn, a former whaling captain’s home that was voted “one of the 10 most romantic hotels in the US” by fodors.  Who doesn’t need some added romance?!
The inn is in the heart of Nantucket Town where we will be able to walk to shops and restaurants.  While we have a few dinner reservations made…
Any MUSTS you seasoned travelers recommend?
We will be exploring the island via bicycle, foot and moped.  

Any favorite sites and stops?

I am hopeful that I can convince J to get a pair of Nantucket Reds…and if he doesn’t succumb – perhaps this well-dressed chap will come home with me, instead:
Any other shopping recos?
I’ve been warned about the cobblestone streets and the hazards of foregoing flats.  I will also have to give my packing some serious thought as our flight schedule doesn’t allow for checked bags – ahh!  My pack-job will include the likes of worn polos, riding boots and sperry’s, striped tees, cable-knit sweaters, pearls and plaids. 

Will this suffice for autumn in nantucket?

Counting down the days…Can’t wait to report back!
{Want more Nantucket visual inspiration?  Visit Here.}
{image credits} b&w photo.  nantucket town 1 & 2.  lighthouse.  bike.  shoes.  moped.  murrarys.  plan b husband.  plaid. couple.  pearls.  stripes.

Gift of Good Style

As a wife – to say that I am thrilled with the most fabulous piece of jewelry I’ll ever own…my engagement ring would be a massive understatement {ok, well, to be fair let’s also include the 4 dreamy diamond and sapphire wedding bands that Sucker Husband has added to my ring finger over the last couple of years}.  I’ve told The Man that {for now?} fancy jewelry does not need to be in the gift giving rotation.  And why not, you ask!?  Because there are perfectly fantastic cheap options out there around every corner, allowing me load up on ridiculous accessories each season.  While you may frequent Topshop, J.Crew or Forever 21 for flashy faux jewelry – one can never have too many resources when a bargain is involved.
Recently I’ve stumbled across Swell Caroline for darling pieces for myself and for stylish gifts.
These stud earrings would add the perfect pop to a simple turtleneck sweater this fall.  Very Lily van der Woodsen…
These darling enamel studs would be a charming hostess gift {pineapples are the symbol of hospitality, of course}.  And at $25, you can’t beat it with a bottle of champers in tow!
Or load up on all sorts of varied bracelets for an arm-full of action!
There are even a handful of statement necklaces to add to your collection.  
I always appreciate a bridesmaid gift that is thoughtful – a gesture of gratitude and appreciation rather than a gifted sash that everyone has to wear on her wedding day.  With a variety of options and styles, you can choose a gift that really is reflective of each of your girls’ style and personality.  And with such bargain price-tags…you can afford to still cover the cost of the mandatory up-do or lame flower-pin they all are required to don.  
PS:  I also thought these totes would be a simple way to allow the girls to collect all of their belongings {flip flops for later, pashmina, make-up, yoga clothes they wore to the hotel etc.} and stash under the head table or in the bridal suite.  {I always look like a bag lady on wedding days carrying dozens of purses, shopping bags etc. and would absolutely die if a bridal party came prepared with cutie manageable totes of personal belongings like these!}   
{image credits} all images from swell caroline with the exception of stylish bracelet girl taken from classy in the city

Sunny Showers

Chicago has been given the gift of gorgeousness, that will sadly be forgotten, overshadowed by nearing blustery, soggy days.  It’s only fair.
Until then, I absolutely can’t describe the perfectly dreamy weather we’ve had recently.
Yesterday, I allowed myself the indulgence of a sunbathe.  The air was warm, the sun was strong, the skies – blindingly blue.
I have a new favorite pastime:
 Sunbathing in a graceful shower of falling leaves.
{image credits:  tunnel of trees, bug and aqua sun worshiper from pinterest.  falling leaves from tumblr. striped toosh {perfection} from grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com}

Glitter In My Blood.

I had a doctors appointment earlier and had some blood work done.  I was in a better-than-avarage room with actual windows that allowed the abundant Chicago sunshine to join us.
As I was almost finished, the cutie nurse said, “Well, look at this.”  
I was nervous.  “What?”
“It looks like you must have glitter in your blood.  It’s beautiful.”
{She was referring to the way the light caught hold of the vial she was collecting.}
“Why yes.  I suppose I do have glitter in my blood.”
{top left: favim.  top right: pinterest, bottom left: pinterest, ohhellofriend}
{top left: celebinspire.  top right: zara.  bottom left: reasontobreath.  bottom right: tumblr}
{bottom left: tigfashion.  middle left: wearohsopretty.  top left: pinterest.  right: pinterest}
{left: pinterest.  middle: livecreatingyourself.  right: tumblr}

…Case in Point…

Molly Sims Is Lovely.

It was a huge year for celeb weddings {Kate, Reese, Kim etc.} but the most recent featured wedding is of gorgeous Molly Sims to her producer love, Scott Stuber.
Molly wore a Marchesa gown that showed off her enviable figure in a romantic, tasteful manner.  Her gorgeous bouquet of pale apricot colored garden roses was divine.  Scott wore a Tom Ford tuxedo – perfectly classic.
Her hair was pulled high in a classically trendy ballerina bun, finished with a simple fingertip veil.
After getting engaged in May with this dazzling sparkler {jeeze!}, everything was planned in mere months!
  The charming wedding took place on a vineyard in Napa and looked to be every bit of the brides’ “simple and elegant” inspiration.
The ceremony was held with the beautiful backdrop of willow trees that hosted suspended bell-jars of white roses.
And the bridesmaids…!  I LOVE unique and unexpected bridesmaid dresses and Molly’s girls certainly did not disappoint.  Each wore a different Elizabeth Kennedy gown in tones of nude, camel and black.  Can you get over her seriously gorgeous girlfriends?  Each is more beautiful than the next!
I am also loving their loose, natural bouquets composed of feathery fern foliage and garden roses.
In my next life, I will be a lovely, leggy supermodel.  
{image credits} photos taken from us weekly, popsugar and people

Press Feature – Style Me Pretty: Emma & Tom!

Wow – what an exciting run for Bliss on Style Me Pretty!  
My New Years Eve wedding is presently featured and I’m so enjoying reminiscing about all of the gorgeous details and fun we had planning Emma and Tom’s wedding.

In an effort not to bore you with a double feature – you can check out more of this stunning candlelit extravaganza here and here.
Bliss loves SMP!
PS:  Special thanks to the dashing Jeremy of Studio This Is, the debonair Jesse of Event Creative and the darling Devon of Cheree Berry for their instrumental involvement in E&T’s wedding!

{image credits} photos taken from style me pretty, shot by studio this is

Style Me Pretty Feature – Bliss Wedding!

Another stunning Bliss Wedding was featured on Style Me Pretty the other day!  This wedding was about as dreamy as it could be, in my book.  We all know I’m quite partial to garden parties and tent weddings!
The wedding was held on the family property.  The estate boasted acres and acres of verdant lawns and towering trees.  Tents were erected, gardens were tended and no detail was overlooked.  Renny was instrumental in the couples planning and partnered with my design love, Jesse of Event Creative to execute brides vision.
The bride selected a color palette of lavender, green and white.  Perfect for her spring wedding.  While the bride adored flowers, she wanted it to feel like a lovely garden party – not something that was too opulent or stuffy.  
Here are some of the gorgeous photos from the day.

Due to questionable weather, a separate ceremony tent was added to the plan the week of the wedding.  Jesse created a custom rich wood arbor under which the bride and groom stood as they repeated their vows.  Florals including gnarly grapevine, hydrangea, peonies, smilax and lilac adorned the structure.
The aisle was simply noted with pomanders of bun moss and button pomps suspended from silk ribbons.
The darling programs featured a quatrefoil pattern that was repeated throughout the event.  All printables were created by favorite Cheree Berry.
Fragrant lily of the valley {my absolute favorite} was fashioned into a bouquet for the bride and a charming boutonniere for the groom.
For a client earlier this year, I hired an artist to paint a live rendering of the reception.  It’s become our latest obsession.  Renny knew it would be perfect for this client!  Here, the artist captured the ceremony as it was happening.
Jesse designed a couple of free-standing moss hedges that repeated the quatrefoil pattern.  
Guests seating assignments were slipped into organza ribbons hand-sewn into pockets.
The cocktail hour was held in a third tent and featured rosemary lemonade cocktails and delicious bites passed on custom lucite trays.
Dinner and dancing was held in the largest tent, complete with darling lavender pennant flags.
Lush and gardeny florals detailed each of the dining tables, all presented in varied white ceramic vessels.  
Featured flowers included hydrangea, viburnum, lilac, peonies, allium, hyacinth and hosta foliage.  Gorgeous, gorgeous!

I love the unexpected sculptures Jesse added to the tablescape.
In addition to the stunning tabletop decor – floral, candle, lantern and branch laden pieces were suspended over guest tables throughout the tent.  Sight-lines are certainly never a concern with floating centerpieces!
The cutie place card for the bride and groom…
In addition to the quatrefoil pattern that made multiple repeat appearances, a custom motif of an actual tree on the property was used for a handful of items.  Here, the custom illuminated bar featured this personal motif.
Whimsical desserts were offered along with darling custom towels.
The guests enjoyed every bite of the meal provided by Jewell Weddings.

Without the constraint of venue end times, the guests were able to dance until the wee hours of the morning.  
Congratulations, Pam and Brian!! 
Xx.
{image credits} all photos shot by fandl photography

Emmys 2011 Red Carpet Review

While there were a handful of beautiful gowns at the 2011 Emmys – I wouldn’t say I was blown away.  I don’t have a clear favorite or massive obsessions.  That said, here were the dresses that I believed were certainly noteworthy:
I loved Lea Michelle’s Marchesa dress from both the front and back.
Nina Dobrev’s bold red beauty by Donna Karen was another winner.
While I normally am on the fence about Sofia Vergara – I think this coral {?} Vera Wang dress was beautiful.
I think I may be crushing Kerry Washington, in general, more than her Zuhair Murad gown…but she looked stunning!
I really liked Anna Faris’ Reem Acra gown – like a piece of art!
Cat Deeley’s Monique Lhullier gown was even more beautiful live {and by live I mean on TV, of course…}
I am seriously loving Aubrey Plaza’s Juan Carlos Obando’s sophisticated ivory number.
And I thought Christine Baranski’s navy Zac Posen was super age appropriate and incredibly chic.
And, while I always hate to end on a sour note…These two pastel looks are quite simply laughable:
{image credits} photos taken from getty images and startraks photo

Style Me Pretty Feature – Bliss Wedding!

I am awful!  
August into September, and now approaching October has been packed with back-to-back {to-back-to-back-to-back etc.} amazing client weddings – which has meant the attention has been solely on my brides.  Husband who?  Free time, what?  Late nights and early mornings have kept me from posting as much as I’m dying to.  So forgive me for the lameness of this delay, but Bliss has something to share!
One of Renny’s recent client weddings was featured on Style Me Pretty and I have been itching to feature some of the gorgeous photos.
These cutie clients decided to spend the year of their wedding traveling the world.  {Um, yes please.}  Renny’s role was huge as their ally, guiding the couple on all decisions remotely.  
The ceremony was held in Wrigley Square, at the foot of Millennium Park in a bustling and beautiful clearing amidst the towering skyscrapers.

Guests were greeted with charming ceremony programs by stationary fav, Cheree Berry, and refreshing citrus water. 
Seriously darling flowers girls announced the arrival of the bride.
The bride carried a bountiful bouquet of fluffy peonies.  So soft and romantic!
{Just in case you weren’t sure who was who…}
The reception was held mere steps away at the Chicago Cultural Center.  I love love this fluffy cloud of gypsophila {alright, alright…babies breath} highlighting the place card table in G.A.R Hall.
For dinner and dancing, guests moved to one of my favorite rooms in the city:  Preston Bradley Hall.  The remarkable Tiffany Dome is the largest in the world.
Romantic florals featured roses, peonies, garden stock and tea roses – all presented in varied glass and crystal pieces.
The tables were named after locations the bride and groom visited together in the travels.
The tables were set with elegant charger plates, framing the rose-accented menus.  {Love the di-cut silhouette of the card!}
Another happy Bliss couple.  
Renny, in love with all of the details!  What a celebration!!
{image credits} all photography by artisan events.  featured on style me pretty