Lately I’ve been thinking about the morning before the wedding. I know this might seem like a really tiny and insignificant detail to think about in the grand scheme of things, but I have this theory that it’s the moments in between the “big” moments that set the tone for your wedding day. And if you don’t “control” those moments, then the entire day can end up not feeling like you want it to. By control, please don’t think I mean micromanaging every last detail and stressing over whether or not everything is perfect. I just mean doing as much prep work in advance, so that on the wedding day itself, things flow smoothly and you don’t need to stress. Of course not everything will go as planned, but I am a firm believer in putting as many blocks into place as possible, and then going with the flow when you can’t do anything else. Make sense?

All this to say, I’ve been thinking about our wedding morning lately. A few things, in particular:

1. The soundtrack for when we’re getting ready. I am already working on this, and I will most definitely share once it’s finalized (which probably won’t be for a few months). It’s a happy mix of favorites from the 50’s and 60’s, combined with some newer (mellow but peppy) favorites like Brooke Fraser, She & Him, Ingrid Michaelson, and Mumford & Sons.

I’m building this playlist with Spotify. Are you all on Spotify? It’s awesome. It’s kind of like iTunes combined with Grooveshark — there’s a massive song library, but you don’t have to buy the songs. You can collect them in playlists, but you can’t download them. Love!

2. What I will wear when we’re getting ready. As much as I love a comfy robe or sweatpants, that is not what I’ll be wearing the morning of our wedding. I’m thinking something more along the lines of this:

As long as I can easily step into it and out of it (so as not to smudge the hair and makeup), why the heck not? I consider it just another opportunity to wear a pretty white dress :)

3. Who will be getting the gals prettified. Goodness, y’all. I am pretty much inept at anything concerning my face and hair, so bringing in professionals is a must, but they seem so dang expensive to me!! Maybe I’m just being a baby, though? If you wouldn’t mind helping a girl out, would you mind commenting and saying what you paid, or maybe what you think is reasonable, for wedding hair and makeup? I would so appreciate it!

P.S. Photo above by Bryan Johnson

Sorry to be such an absentee host, friends! It’s been a crazy week or two, and I’ve got a busy one coming up, as well! Just wanted to pop in and share some of these inspiring menus in the meantime…

Love this chic + casual kraft paper number:

Photo by Tara Rochelle, styling by Sara Westbrook and Sam Pothier via One Charming Party

I’m always in favor of the chalkboard menu.

Photo by Kate Headley, styling by Ritzy Bee via Snippet & Ink

Photo by Jessica Watson via Style Me Pretty

And these petite clipboards are perfect if you’re doing stations and need several smaller menus instead of one large one.

Photo by Kate Headley, styling by Ritzy Bee via Martha Stewart Weddings

Bon appetit! :)

One thing we’re splurging on for our wedding is a Sperry tent, and I couldn’t be happier. A normal frame tent would serve the purpose of sheltering us and our guests from the elements equally as well, but wouldn’t be quite as beautiful. Plus, if we got a frame tent, I would want to line it, which would make it almost as expensive as, if not more expensive than, a Sperry. AND, from what I hear, Sperry tents have such a beautiful presence of their own, they require less embellishment in terms of other decor. Sailcloth + pine poles will do that for you, I guess!

How do you know if it’s a Sperry? Look for rounded lines, dramatic peaks, and merrily waving flags — my absolute favorite feature :)

Photo by Lisa Rigby via Style Me Pretty

via Merriment Events

Photo by Carlie Statsky


Photo by Justin & Mary

Photo by Weddings by Two via Snippet & Ink

Photo by Justin & Mary

Photo by Justin & Mary

Aren’t they beautiful??

Kind of in love with this faux fur jacket from Kate Spade, despite the fact that I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have too many opportunities to wear it. I do enjoy that it has a built-in muff, which helps compensate for the 3/4 sleeves. (I never understood why winter jackets ever have 3/4 sleeves… anyone??) And that little bow! So sweet.

Unfortunately, this fine jacket has the not-so-fine price tag of $845, so I think I might have to console myself with these faux fur ear muffs, which retail for just $12.99.

My Mom is probably dying of laughter right now, because I’m pretty sure I adamantly refused to wear ear muffs as a child. But alas, my ears get cold, and I think I look weird in hats. So ear muffs it is.