Pocket Tee  |  White Denim  |  Mint Scarf, similar here
Slide Mules  |  Suitcase

Packing for a trip can be a daunting task and to be honest, it's my least favorite part of traveling.  Whether it's a weekend trip or a week long trip, there is a lot to remember and nobody wants to forget something.  Planning outfits and making a list of special items Darin and I need for our trip to Italy, I thought it would be nice to share a few quick packing tips.

Darin and I are currently en route to Italy!  We are beyond excited to experience all Italy has to offer. 
​It's going to be a fabulous week! 

Vegan Leather Jacket  |  Pocket Tee  |  Destroyed Denim
Adidas Superstars  |  Mini Backpack  |  Lips "Carmello"

Only 4 days until the wedding!  I'm getting the exciting wedding jitters and and sooooo pumped for the honeymoon!  There are a few last minute details to get done which means I'm running around like a busy little bee.  I met with the beverage vendor to pick out the beer and wine selections for the open bar.  Darin and I decided to have 3 hours of unlimited beer and wine for the reception (no hard liquor).   Our family & friends enjoy beer and wine more than mixed drinks plus it was much cheaper to skip out on the hard stuff.  The great thing about the beverage package is that it includes pop and water for those who can't or don't drink.

Also, recently met with the DJ to go over all the song choices for both the ceremony and reception.  I didn't realize how hard it was to choose songs lol especially for the mother/son dance since neither Darin or his mom had a preference.  My dad and I instantly knew which song we wanted to dance to :) 

Timeline of events.  This was probably the most stressful for me!  Everyone wants to know at what time exactly you plan on starting all the different events from when the guests are seated for the ceremony to the first dance to when we cut the cake.  Not knowing how long different parts took, I relied on the help of others who have worked at weddings to give me a basis for timing.  It felt good to finish this task!  Let's just hope we can stay on schedule!

The caterer needed more details than what I initially anticipated.  Not only do they need a guest count and finalized menu, but also a timeline and specifics on what to do with leftovers, tablecloths, cleanup, etc.  Pretty sure I have everything set now...at least I hope!

If you are planning a wedding or have recently planned a wedding, leave your tips in the comments on little details that a bride-to-be should remember for the big day.  I'd like to know if I missed anything!

Photos by Nesbit Photography

Little Black Dress  |  Denim Jacket  |  Stripe Espadrilles
Marble Watch  |  Link Bracelet  |  Lips 'Carmello'

Happy Tuesday!  It feels more like a Monday in December with all the snow that is falling this morning but....I'm trying my best not to look out the window!  Only 5 days until the wedding which means I can't handle any more stress/anxiety.  I'm pretending it's partly sunny and 45 right now :)

Anyway, back to the purpose of this blog post, the stripe espadrille shoes!  They are a flat shoe with perfect spring stripes and a touch of espadrille at the bottom.  Flat shoes are always great to have on hand for days when you want to be a little more casual or just to give your calves a rest from all the wedges and heels.  Having a fun stripe shoe really adds character to even the most simple of looks, like a little black dress and denim jacket.

Photos by Nesbit Photography

Good morning!  Since the wedding is less than a week away, I wanted to focus on more wedding posts  the next few days for those who are engaged and currently planning for the big day.  Despite everything being pretty much done, I still feel anxious about how things will come together for the wedding!  Today I'm sharing some tips I've learned throughout the past couple of months, plus some good advice from friends and family.

1.  Share Your Thoughts
Talking about stress and anxiety with family and friends has been very helpful.  Not only are they reassuring about the process but they also offer advice.  Most of my family and friends are already married, some of them more recently, so they are a huge help when it comes to the little details that can easily be overlooked. 

2.  Exercise
Working out has always been a stress reliever but even more so during wedding planning!  I constantly think about the to-do list items that need to be accomplished but at the gym I'm so focused on the exercises that wedding tasks don't even cross my mind.  Having a workout buddy is even better!  Then you have no excuse not to head to the gym.

3. Delegate
This is particularly difficult for me since I am a control freak.  Having Darin, family and my best friends help with some of the tasks takes some of the responsibility off my shoulders.  Everyone has been very helpful and I feel less overwhelmed with fewer tasks on my list.

4.  Stay Organized
Being disorganized can be a major cause of stress.  What helped the most for me was a timeline of when certain decisions needed to be made.  There are tons of magazines, planners, and checklists on Pinterest that offer organizational tools.  One piece of advice I have is to put due dates of payments on your calendar...time flies by and you don't want to miss paying vendors!

5.  "Me Time"
This is HUGE.  Taking time to relax and recharge is everything during the wedding planning process.  Take a bubble bath, put on a face mask, have a glass of wine, of get some cozy pajama's and read a book.  Whatever it is that relaxes you, take that time for yourself.