Amanda’s getting married!  Amanda’s really, really getting married – to a most wonderful partner, by the way.  We don’t want to leave out Mark – the fabulously smart fellow who so brilliantly chose Amanda to be his bride.  Oh, please don’t think there’s any prejudice here – just because Amanda is one of our awesomely talented Product Designers – no, nope, uh-uh Not us!

So let’s review where it everything sits right now, because we’re going to keep you posted, week-to-week, leading up to the Big Day.  So exciting!

Mark’s proposal to Amanda was an exquisite Christmas Day TOTAL surprise, in front of her family, on the front porch of the family home in Raleigh. (To make it even more special, her grandmother and grandfather were engaged on Christmas Day, too!) The date was soon set set around a bouquet of activities and family plans, and the wedding coordinating began (led by Amanda, of course, but helped well-along by her Mom, a former wedding coordinator!)

Completely crafty Amanda took charge of the Save the Dates, even designing envelope liners to launch a blush and pale grey color theme for the wedding.  The family rallied ’round to help.

The engagement shoot was fabulous – and their adorability factor is captured forever on film.

THE dress is chosen, fitted, and ready to shine. The venue and the reception (food, cake and floral decorations  included) are done – fini – ready!  The ceremony will take place in her family church in North Carolina – such a beautiful setting!  The reception is just down the street at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences - trendy, interestingly edgy, and beautiful – just like Amanda (and Mark – seriously Mark – we’re not forgetting you here, really.)

Attendants are at ready, dresses altered, tuxes on deck, showers and celebrations are ongoing (and so-so many good stories), menus planned, hotels booked – oh so much has happened since we last shared!

And so much is still going on!

Next week Amanda has an appointment for her formal wedding portrait – dress, hair, makeup and all the good stuff - with her official wedding photographer, Emily Alane.

And the honeymoon!  Oh-oh-oh newsflash! In our last update, Amanda and Mark were thinking Caribbean – but we’ll let you in on the secret.  Mark found something even better – hold your breath…

Barcelona! That’s right, glorious Spain – a breath taking week at the fabulous Hotel ME Barcelona. With its incredible architecture perched right on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, it is the PERfect place for the newlyweds - but so much more on that later – SO much more!

We SO look forward to sharing the happy with you – every Thursday – leading up to Mark and Amanda’s amazing day!

Happy planning!

Are you a big  fan of blush and pale grey too?  Yes, we have the perfect wedding favors for your amazing day…

Yes, today we’re sending you Blog Love from a place all brides-to-be will adore – an artist site that is both exciting and uniquely earthy-licious with exquisite floral artistry for weddings.  But not “floral” in the traditional sense – just look! 

Francois Weeks’ passion for flowers took early root during her childhood in Belgium.  It was this passion, plus a natural talent born of  a love for gardening, that drew her to train with professionals in Antwerp before beginning her first business venture in 1996. Then it quickly blossomed (pun totally intended) into a beautiful experience for brides looking for eco-friendly and something a little bit trendy and different for their weddings. 

From her quaintly perfect garden studio, Francoise has tied bouquets, woven garlands and composed original centerpieces for hundreds of weddings. She uses unexpected flowers, herbs, fruits and foliage, and Françoise is so beautifully proficient at translating fresh ideas into ethereal reality. Her wedding design portfolio displays everything from elegant simplicity to the abundant and bountiful; she consistently delivers the unexpected for weddings and events in Northwest Oregon, Portland Metro area, Southwest Washington and Vancouver. 

Simply gorgeous, aren’t they?  Clean, original and oh-so natural! 

Francoise’s wedding design has been featured in several bridal publications, including Oregon Bride Magazine. 

If you aren’t a West-Coaster, take heart.  Francoise teaches classes!  She shares her vast knowledge and talents with eager students throughout the year.  See her beautiful work on her website, and there you will also find more information on her upcoming class schedules. 

Oh!  And she has a wonderful blog – be sure to check that out, too! 

For trendy rustic-chic (and eco-friendly) wedding favors, of course we have some suggestions for you! 

Happy planning! 

Photo credits for this article: Nicole Wickens, Joni Shimabukuro, Jamie Bosworth, Kevin Focht for Oregon Bride

We’ve written about Chateau Challain before, so you know how dreamy this destination wedding venue is. We just received this awesome film short of an actual celebrity wedding at the Chateau.  We just have to share!

Coco Rocha is a gorgeous, internationally-known fashion model, having appeared on the cover of Vogue in Italy, Korea, Mexico, Latin American – oh, you get the picture.  She’s also been seen on the catwalk for Prada, Dolce & Gabana, Versache and other exquisite fashion powerhouses.  Coco found her soul mate, and they were recently wed during a glorious ceremony at Chateau Challain in the Loire Valley.  Comme c’est romantique!

Sit back and prepare to be amazed (and maybe grab a tissue, because it is that beautiful!)

Coco + James // Short film from Americana Cinema on Vimeo.

Happy planning!

Fleur de lis magnifique for your French-inspired wedding celebration…