Do you ever talk to other women who are engaged and hear about the unexpected ways their grooms proposed? I love hearing stories from my brides about the men who plan something totally unique and meaningful whether than just blurting out the question during a normal dinner. Hopefully not a lot of guys out there are still doing that, but you would be surprised the stories I hear. That’s why I was excited to find that the local Aquarium here in Cincinnati (Newport Aquarium) offers Wedding Proposal packages. There are currently 3 options of how the Aquarium can make your proposal memorable:
1. The Penguin Proposal: It’s what you think it is… these cute, tuxedoed groomsmen may not make it to the wedding, but they can still help you pop the question. The groom and bride-to-be will get an exclusive, 20-minute encounter with three African Penguins, who will crowd around her while the groom drops to one knee. The Penguin House can accommodate up to 12 guests if you want to have family/friends watching your special moment.

2. A Very Engaging Dive Show: A fun date to the aquarium becomes the surprise of her life when the groom joins the audience for a seemingly normal dive show. When the curtains rise to reveal a diver in the tank holding a sign that reads, “Will You Marry Me?” the gasp you hear won’t be for air. The final step is simple – seal it with a kiss. Your special moment can take place in any of these underwater exhibits: Amazon, Coral Reef or Surrounded by Sharks.

3. The Behind-the-Scenes Tour: The aquarium offers a 40-minute behind-the-scenes tour of their facilities. Then, when she least expects it, the groom can give her the highlight of the tour – a proposal she’ll never forget.

What other creative and memorable ideas do you have?  How did your groom propose?

I absolutely love looking through photographer’s blogs to see engagement photos.  The love that you can see radiating from the eyes of each of the couples just makes me all warm & fuzzy inside.  But then, there’s something more.  There’s always something unique about each couple’s particular photos, besides the actual couple themselves… there is the outdoor lighting that just makes a photo standout.  That one moment in each day where the PERFECT lighting is available for photographer’s to take advantage of.  Sometimes it’s a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds, looking like the gates of heaven are opening at the kiss of a couple.  Other times it is the beautiful heat lightning that streaks the sky before a storm.  Whatever it is, there is always something beautiful with natural lighting, even if it is just the particular shadows that it is casting at that moment.  So, below are a few of my fave photos using natural available lighting. 

First through third image is Melody Smith of Twilight Images.  Last image by Rothwell Photography.

As I was browsing online stores (what woman doesn’t occasionally pass the time doing so?) I found some great finds that are reasonably priced and can help any modern bride look chic without spending a fortune. Check out a few inspiration pieces below.  P.S. The Nina shoes are customizable — you can choose the base color, the heel color, and the bow color!

Clockwise from Top Left: Pearl bracelent from JCPenney.  Stain Rosette handbag by Coloriffics.  Crystal hair pins by Naugi Bridal.  Bow-topped satin heel by Nina.

Have you ever met someone who is just striking?  I mean, literally, just stunningly beautiful?  Well that is my friend Abbie.  We first met when we moved into condominiums on the same street in Cincinnati, and we both had small dogs that quickly became boyfriend/girlfriend.   The most amazing thing about Abbie is that besides being naturally gorgeous, she is one of the sweetest, most down to earth, caring & loving individuals I have ever met.  Total package.  Seriously.  And after 2 years of being neighbors, trips to Cabo and Lake Tahoe together, we’ve now both met the loves of our lives and gotten married.  

I’ll feature Abbie’s wedding on here soon, but until then I wanted to share some shots of her modeling for amateur photographers in the Dallas area.  She was a model for a bridal workshop, where various budding photographers took plenty of pics showing her beauty… and her wedding dress.  That’s right, the gown she has on in these photos is her actual wedding dress that was worn last summer.   I love these pics and I know you will, too!

Most of the time, as soon as a bouquet is delivered, women pick out the baby’s breath and toss it in the trash. But what if you were to make an entire bouquet out of baby’s breath? Seems simple. And as I imagine it, I don’t know what to think. But when I saw this wedding shown from JL Designs, I had to agree — this is unexpected loveliness. Who knew a bunch of baby’s breath could be so beautiful?!  Love it or not?  You tell me.

I was at a wedding this past weekend and all the bridal party was discussing (besides the beautiful bride of course!) was that they couldn’t wait for Mad Men to return! So when I came across this DIY Save the Date inspired by Mad Men over at The Wedding Chicks, I couldn’t resist blogging about it! With plenty of colors to choose from, you’ll definitely be able to find the right mix for your own special day!

There are loads of beautiful wedding photos out there and many we love and use for inspiration and others… well we just can’t forget. Here’s the top 10 wedding photos you will remember (for whatever the reason).

All photos seen here first.

I loved my wedding dress — but GEEZ! Look at these new floral wedding dresses from Monique Lhuillier.  If I had to do it all over again, I may have to change to a spring wedding so that I could flaunt one of these beauties! 

I mean, just look at that dress!  I am IN LOVE!!!!!!!!!!

This post is for my wonderful husband.  I found another wedding that had Transformer cufflinks and a Transformer groom’s cak!  Also, similiar to our own wedding the bride wore a beautiful lace dress, colors were black & white… and they’re just stylish!   Enjoy this California wedding from Boucher Photography. 

I just love this photo of a fellow wedding planner (check out Jubilee Events) before her wedding.  So special.  So personal.  So much LOVE.  Ahhh, that’s what a wedding is about.  Not the glitz, not the glamour… but the love.