what I love: backyard weddings!

It's official! I'm inspired because I have one of the most exciting client weddings ever - an adorable backyard affair! I can't wait for the splendid event, and due to this overwhelming inspiration, I couldn't help but love backyard weddings this week.

Let's discuss some of my favorite parts of backyard events! The best part is you get to keep it relaxed and it truly feels like home (since it is!)! All of those special details that you never get to include in a rented space are all the things you get to have fun with at a backyard wedding. Most importantly, you don't have to follow any rules, so you get to make all your own!

Check some of these awesome backyard event details out for a little taste of what I love!

First, have you seen such an adorable backdrop for a ceremony - vintage doors?! A. Door. Able! (Ba-dum-ching!)

Via OnceWed

A gorgeous home-style display of bride and groom photos through the years. Don't think you can get more darling than that!

via Young House Love

Flip-flops for your guests - a perfect and comfy idea! Plus the adorable display in an aluminum bin!

via Creative Image Collections

Finally this homemade photo booth is one of the most beautiful I think I've ever seen. A gorgeous sheet of fabric that the bride and groom clothes-pinned up to make a pretty little photo booth for all sorts of fun!

via Jill Thomas Photography

 What do you say? Do you love backyard weddings too??

what I love: save the date videos!

I never thought I'd say this, as I'm not a huge fan of many wedding videos, but I love save the date videos. Truly L. O. V. E.

Now I'm not talking about those cheeseball videos that may come to mind when we first bring up this whole concept of a wedding video. I don't mean the guy telling the camera how much he loves the girl. The girl then following suit - just like a good fiancee should. No. I'm talking about those videos and videographers that full-on break the wedding video mold, and therefore do exactly what a save the date should - offer a little advance taste of the true flavor of the wedding day for all the guests to enjoy!

Let me tell you. There are some great ones to be seen.

press play... from tim and jane on Vimeo.

Never fear. I have another save the date for you! A whole different flavor, but equally amazing!

This little nugget of awesome comes via Broke Ass Bride (who I also adore!). Readers, meet Raechel and Joel!

Adorable, no?! You can tell exactly what their wedding will be like: loving, personal, and all-around awesome.

I'm ashamed to say, I nearly forgot this final one by Mark Mroz! My own two clients: Melinda and Jason, who got married in January of this year. Theirs was (and is) officially one of my FAVORITES. :)

Jason + Melinda // Save the Date from Mark Mroz on Vimeo.

So what do you say? You love save the date videos too?!?

what I love: validation!

I had to stray from weddings this week, but for good reason! Its time to focus on something I truly love - something we ALL need, despite if we're getting married or not - validation!

Before you think I'm coming totally out of left field, I'll let you know I had outside inspiration. A short film entitled Validation. I found this film nearly a year ago and was in love with it then, but I had mostly forgotten about it, until the other day when I was down in the dumps - not feeling well emotionally or physically. My one true love brought the film to my attention once again, and I knew that I had to share. 

See this isn't shallow validation that I'm talking about. It's not about how nice your shoes are or the new manicure you got. This is about someone recognizing your value in this world - as an individual, as a human being and then taking a moment to let you know. That, my friends, is real validation. So if there's one thing I can ask of you this week, its to go out and really, truly validate someone. In return, I assure you, you will receive enormous validation back.

So here it is

for you

VALIDATION. 


I know I love me some validation this week... I hope you do too! Enjoy!